31.   Opposition groups want a return to constitutional government with the monarchy, which now rules by virtual decree, reduced to a ceremonial role.

32.   Shimon Peres, a former prime minister who was an architect of the first interim peace accord with the Palestinians, was favored to win the largely ceremonial role.

33.   State governors are appointed by the federal government in New Delhi and have largely ceremonial roles, while the elected chief ministers have executive powers.

34.   The German president has largely a ceremonial role.

35.   The government supports the existing constitutional monarchy, which relegates the king to a ceremonial role.

36.   The governor-general, appointed by the prime minister, has a largely ceremonial role representing the British monarch in the Bahamas, a British Commonwealth.

37.   The next vice president will be expected to play a part well beyond the largely ceremonial role of the previous five vice presidents.

38.   The president has traditionally been a ceremonial role.

39.   The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, declined to provide details of the talks with Weizman, who largely has a ceremonial role in Israel.

40.   Wahid would mostly likely retain a ceremonial role as head of state.