President of Trinidad and Tobago

The President of Trinidad and Tobago is thecountry's head of state. The office was established when the country became the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 1976, replacing the British monarch. The last Governor-General, Sir Ellis Clarke, was sworn in as the first President on August 1st of that year, under a transitional arrangement. He was formally chosen as President by an electoral college consisting of members of both houses of Parliament on September 24th, 1976, which is now celebrated as Republic Day.

Under the 1976 Constitution, the office of President is a ceremonial post, with executive power remaining with the Cabinet, headed by a Prime Minister. The President appoints as Prime Minister the leader of the largest party in the House of Representatives, and also appoints members of the Senate on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

See also

• List_of_Presidents_of_ Trinidad and Tobago