Legal System of Maldives

Maldives is located in South Asia. It is geographically situated in southern asia, group of atolls in the indian ocean, south-southwest of india. The country achieved independence on 26 july 1965 (from the uk). The capital is Malé.

Government Overview

Government Type: presidential republic Chief of State: President Mohamed MUIZZU (since 17 November 2023) Head of Government: President Mohamed MUIZZU (since 17 November 2023) Cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president, approved by People’s Majlis Administrative Divisions: 21 administrative atolls (atholhuthah, singular - atholhu); Addu (Addu City), Ariatholhu Dhekunuburi (South Ari Atoll), Ariatholhu Uthuruburi (North Ari Atoll), Faadhippolhu, Felidhuatholhu (Felidhu Atoll), Fuvammulah, Hahdhunmathi, Huvadhuatholhu Dhekunuburi (South Huvadhu Atoll), Huvadhuatholhu Uthuruburi (North Huvadhu Atoll), Kolhumadulu, Maale (Male), Maaleatholhu (Male Atoll), Maalhosmadulu Dhekunuburi (South Maalhosmadulu), Maalhosmadulu Uthuruburi (North Maalhosmadulu), Miladhunmadulu Dhekunuburi (South Miladhunmadulu), Miladhunmadulu Uthuruburi (North Miladhunmadulu), Mulakatholhu (Mulaku Atoll), Nilandheatholhu Dhekunuburi (South Nilandhe Atoll), Nilandheatholhu Uthuruburi (North Nilandhe Atoll), Thiladhunmathee Dhekunuburi (South Thiladhunmathi), Thiladhunmathee Uthuruburi (North Thiladhunmathi) National Holiday: Independence Day, 26 July (1965) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Legal System

The legal system of Maldives is described as islamic (sharia) legal system with English common law influences, primarily in commercial matters International Law: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: many previous; latest ratified 7 August 2008 Amendment Process: proposed by Parliament; passage requires at least three-quarters majority vote by its membership and the signature of the president of the republic; passage of amendments to constitutional articles on rights and freedoms and the terms of office of Parliament and of the president also requires a majority vote in a referendum

Judicial Branch

Highest Court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 6 justices) Judge Selection: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission – a 10-member body of selected senior government officials and the public – and on confirmation by voting members of the People’s Majlis; judges serve until mandatory retirement at age 70 Subordinate Courts: High Court; Criminal, Civil, Family, Juvenile, and Drug Courts; Magistrate Courts (on each of the inhabited islands)

Legislative Branch

The legislative structure consists of unicameral

Citizenship and Suffrage

Citizenship by Birth: no Citizenship by Descent: at least one parent must be a citizen of Maldives Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Historical Background

A sultanate since the 12th century, the Maldives became a British protectorate in 1887 and a republic in 1968, three years after independence. President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM dominated Maldives' political scene for 30 years, elected to six successive terms by single-party referendums.

This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Maldives based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.