Under
the current constitution, which became effective in 1998, the legislature,
or Majlis, consists of 48 members. Of these, 40 are
directly elected for a 5-year term in multi-seat constituencies,
and the remaining 8 are appointed by the president.
The president maintains executive power assisted by an appointed
ministerial cabinet. However, outside the capital, the atoll chiefs
(Atoll Veins) who are appointed by the president, exercise significant
power. |
