Both agreements had lapsed by 1987, but political and economic cooperation with Libya was reaffirmed in 1988. Parliamentary leadership has alternated between the two main parties, the Malta Labor Party and the Nationalist Party. The constitution was amended in 1987 to allow the award of extra seats so that the party with a majority of the popular vote could secure a legislative majority in the House of Representatives. Political Rights and Civil Liberties Citizens of Malta can change their government democratically. Members of the House of Representatives, the country s unicameral legislature, are elected on the basis of proportional representation every five years.
Parliament elects the country s president to a five-year term.
Although the post is largely ceremonial, the president is charged with appointing a prime minister and the cabinet from the parliament. The judiciary is independent of the executive and legislative branches. The Chief Justice and nine judges are appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister. The constitution requires a fair public trial, and defendants have the right to counsel of their choice. If they cannot pay, they are provided with court-appointed counsel at public expense.