First Minister

The First Minister was a title given to the leader of the Interstellar Republic in the post-Reaper War era. He or she is elected by the people once every four years and could serve two four-year terms before being forced to retire from the executive office because of term limits. The First Minister could be removed from office at any time by the Senate with a Vote of No Confidence.

Powers and abilities
Officially, the First Minister is the head of the executive branch and civilian Commander-in-Chief of the Republic Defense Fleet and Special Operations Force, however, the day-to-day affairs were left mostly to the highest-ranking member of the military and Minister of Defense. He or she can veto legislation passed by the Galactic Senate (subject to override), appoint members of their Cabinet who administer and enforce laws and policies; the office's relationship with the Senate was distanced in an attempt to create a better system of checks and balances within the government. The First Minister was also provided with security and bodyguard services by C-Sec.

A First Minister was elected by an absolute majority of the popular vote during each election cycle. If he or she is incapacitated, incommunicado, or dead, then the Chairman of the Senate would primarily choose an new First Minister from among the Cabinet of Ministers as defined by the line of succession. This individual would act as an interim First Minister until the proper head of state returned or if a new one is elected. The First Minister could also be removed from office by a two-thirds majority vote of the Senate on the invocation of a Vote of No Confidence by a quarter of senators due to a lack of support.

Unlike the Citadel Council, the First Minister was not governed by an executive committee and consisted of one individual.

List of First Ministers

 * Selius Orodas (2188—2192) — A turian from Invictus. Elected as the Interstellar Republic's first First Minister in 2188, but did not seek a second term.
 * Vormaw Huksa (2192—2196) — A salarian from Sur'Kesh. Elected in 2192, but was defeated by Linariley T'eavius in a re-election bid.
 * Linariley T’eavius (2196—2198) — An asari from Illium and Reaper War veteran. Elected in 2196, but was killed during the Great Galactic War along with most of the Cabinet of Ministers.
 * John Shepard (2198—)  — A human from Earth, Reaper War veteran and formerly Minister of Defense in the T'eavius Administration. Assumed office in 2198 following the death of Linariley T'eavius.

Elections

 * Interstellar Republic presidential election, 2188
 * Interstellar Republic presidential election, 2192
 * Interstellar Republic presidential election, 2196

Novels

 * Mass Effect: A Hero's Legacy (First appearance)
 * Mass Effect: Horizons