Term of office relates to the standard three-year periods for which Member States are elected by ECOSOC (□) or FAO Council (●) respectively. Member States may stand down for one or two years within this period, offering their seat to another Member State.
Algeria was elected for the term 2006/2007/2008. Algeria resigned in favor of Sudan for the year 2007 and retrieved the seat effective 1 January 2008 and for the remainder of term (i.e. for 2008).
The rotating seat is occupied by a country of List A for 2000/2001/2002, List B for 2003/2004/2005, List A for 2006/2007/2008, and List C for 2009/2010/2011. After this a new pattern should be agreed among the Member States.
New Zealand was elected for the term 2007/2008/2009. New Zealand resigned in favor of Belgium effective 31 December 2007 and for the remainder of the term (i.e. 2008, 2009).
Switzerland was elected for the term 2006/2007/2008. Switzerland resigned in favor of Finland effective 1 January 2007 and for the remainder of term (i.e. for 2008).
Austria was elected for the term 2006/2007/2008. Austria resigned in favor of Italy effective 1 January 2007 and for the remainder of term (i.e. for 2008).