Overview and context

The Republic of Maldives is a presidential representative republic. The executive branch consists of the President, Vice-President and Cabinet. The President and Vice-President are elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a five-year term with a two-term limit. The President serves as head of government and appoints a cabinet, subject to approval by Parliament.

Parliament is unicameral and called the Majlis, with 85 representatives serving five-year terms elected from population-decided constituencies. The government or elected members of the Majlis may present a proposed legislation (called a bill) to the “floor” where it is then delegated to a legislative committee for debate and amendments. Standing committees are permanent and members are assigned for two and a half years. Selected committees are purpose-specific and dissolved after achieving their mandate. Once through the committee process, the bill is sent back to the floor for a vote, where it may pass with a simple majority and be promulgated by the president within 30 days. The president has the authority to send a bill back to the Majlis with observations and objections. These may be considered by representatives who amend the legislation or pass the bill again as is. The most recent election was held in March 2014 with the next one due in 2019.