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The Maldivian parliament, the Majilis or Citizens' Council, has
48 members. Male', which is the capital island, and each of the
atolls have two representatives each, elected for five-year
terms. All citizens over 21 years of age can vote. The president
chooses the remaining eight parliamentary representatives, has
the power to appoint or dismiss cabinet ministries and appoint
all judges who administer justice under the broad tenets of
Islam.
The Majlis considers candidates for
the presidency for each five-year term, and makes nominations,
which is put forward, so the vote is not so much an election as
a national referendum - a strong vote of support for the
president is seen as a show of loyalty to religious authorities,
local political leaders and the country as a whole. In recent
votes, the current president Mr. Gayoom has always received 90%
support.
Local government of the 19 administrative atolls is in the hands
of each atolhuverin, or atoll chief. The gazi is
religious head of the atoll and joins the atoll chief in
deciding legal matters. Each island also has its own chief, or
kateeb, who is appointed by the atoll chief consultation
with the Ministry of Atolls Administration. | |
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