Maldives - Constitution

The 2008 constitution provides for an executive president and a legislature, the People’s Majlis, both elected directly every five years by universal suffrage. A president can serve for a maximum of two terms of office. The Majlis comprises two elected members from each of the 20 administrative atolls and Malé. Where the residents registered in an administrative atoll exceed 5,000, one additional member is provided for each group of 5,000 in excess of the first 5,000. All elections are run on a multiparty platform. The constitution provides for an independent judiciary where judicial power is vested in the courts with the Supreme Court as the court of last resort.

Basic rights and freedoms, including freedom of the media, of assembly and of association, are guaranteed as fundamental rights. Freedom of expression is guaranteed so long as such expression is not contrary to any tenet of Islam.

Separate independent commissions and offices are mandated to defend judicial independence; conduct elections; prevent and combat corruption; promote human rights; and ensure an effective and efficient civil service.