Australia:chief of state:  Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Rev. Peter HOLLINGSWORTH (since 29 June 2001) head of government:  Prime Minister John Winston HOWARD (since 11 March 1996); Deputy Prime Minister John ANDERSON (since NA) cabinet:  Cabinet selected from among the members of Federal Parliament by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister

electionsnone; the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general for a three-year term note:  government coalition - Liberal Party and National Party

United Kingdom:chief of state:  Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); Heir Apparent Prince CHARLES (son of the queen, born 14 November 1948) head of government:  Prime Minister Anthony C. L. (Tony) BLAIR (since 2 May 1997) cabinet:  Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the prime minister

elections:  none; the monarch is hereditary; the prime minister is the leader of the majority party in the House of Commons (assuming there is no majority party, a prime minister would have a majority coalition or at least a coalition that was not rejected by the majority)
According to an official CIA fact book the UK has no elections and the Australian elections are worth sod all. At the very least this fact? book reveals the agency's abysmal understanding of the Monarch's authority. At worst...they know more than we do.

Elections in Australia are compulsory and strong moves are being made to have the same in the UK.

From the CIA fact book Here
ELECTIONS ARE A LOAD OF BALLOTS
                   IT'S OFFICIAL, THE CIA SAYS SO.
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