The Government of Maldives is an
example of the presidential republic.
The president is the head of government
and is responsible for the executive
branch of government. He is the
President who appoints the Council
of Ministers and chooses the Council
of Ministers.
The president is elected for a
term of five years. He is appointed
by the country's parliament, which
is known as the Majlis. The secret
ballot voting system is followed
here when selecting the president.
Parliament has selected the candidates
for president and this must be supported
by a national vote. The president
is not only the head of government
but also the Head of State. The
current President of Maldives is
Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
The country has a unicameral parliament,
known as 'majlis '. The legislature
is composed of 50 members who are
chosen for a term of five years.
Of the 50 members, 2 members are
chosen from each atoll through universal
suffrage and 8 members are appointed
by the president of the country.
Regarding the local government,
each atoll is under the responsibility
of a leader of the atoll. The atoll
chief is assisted by the 'Gazi',
which is the religious leader of
the atoll. There are a total of
19 atolls with their respective
heads. The islands are run by leaders
of the island or 'Kateeb '. The
atoll appoints the head Kateeb after
consulting the Ministry of Atolls
Administration.
The political system in Maldives,
before 2005, was based on individuals.
However, from June 2nd 2005, political
parties are recognized and were
included in the electoral system.
The country's judicial system is
based on Islamic laws and regulations.
The secular officials, a chief justice,
and other judges are appointed by
the President, who administers the
law.
