The President is elected by a plurality vote with direct and universal suffrage. The term of office is 5 years, and a president cannot be re-elected until at least two terms have been served by others. The President decides the size and composition of the cabinet and makes appointments to it with the involvement of the Congress. The executive branch initiates most legislation, which the legislature debates and approves, alters, or rejects. The Congress has the authority to override a presidential veto but the President can ask the Congress to reconsider the portions of bills found objectionable.
The Congress is bicameral, and elections for the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies are held at the same time every five years.