The governor-general was appointed for an indefinite term, serving at the pleasure of the monarch.
After the passage of the Statute of Westminster 1931, the governor-general was appointed solely on the advice of the Cabinet of Malta without the involvement of the British government.
In the event of a vacancy the chief justice served as Officer Administering the Government.
The position of president is elected by Parliament for a five-year term.
If there is no person in Malta so appointed and able to perform those functions, the chief justice serves as acting president.