constitution maldives

8/14/2019 Constitution Maldives

1/129

h


2/129


3/129

Functional Translation of the

Constitutionof the

Republic of Maldives

2008

Done By

Ms. Dheena Hussain

LLB. (Hons), (Birmingham), LLM. (London), Barrister-at-Law (Lincolns Inn)

At the Request of

Ministry of Legal Reform, Information and Arts


4/129


5/129

i

INDEX

Article

CHAPTER ISTATE, SOVEREIGNTY AND CITIZENS

1. Constitution.............................................................................................. 12. Republic of the Maldives ........................................................................ 13. Territory of the Maldives........................................................................ 14. Powers of the citizens.............................................................................. 15. Legislative power ..................................................................................... 16. Executive power....................................................................................... 1

7. Judicial power.......................................................................................... 18. Supremacy of Constitution .................................................................... 29. Citizens...................................................................................................... 210. State Religion ......................................................................................... 211. National Language ................................................................................ 212. National Flag .......................................................................................... 213. Currency of the Maldives...................................................................... 314. Capital ..................................................................................................... 315. National Day.......................................................................................... 3

CHAPTER IIFUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

16. Guarantee of Rights .............................................................................. 317. Non-discrimination............................................................................... 518. Duty of the State .................................................................................... 519. Freedom from restraint ........................................................................ 5

20. Equality................................................................................................... 521. Right to life ............................................................................................. 522. Protection of the environment ............................................................ 523. Economic and social rights .................................................................. 624. Privacy..................................................................................................... 625. No slavery or forced labour.................................................................. 726. Right to vote and run for public office................................................ 727. Freedom of expression ......................................................................... 728. Freedom of the media ........................................................................... 7

29. Freedom of acquiring and imparting knowledge.............................. 730. Freedom to form political parties, associations and societies ........ 831. Right to strike......................................................................................... 8


6/129

ii

32. Freedom of assembly............................................................................ 833. Right to protect reputation and name ................................................ 834. Right to marry and establishment of the family............................... 835. Special protection to children, young, elderly and_.....disadvantaged people............................................................................ 8

36. Right to education ................................................................................. 937. Right to work.......................................................................................... 938. Right of pension................................................................................... 1039. Right to participate in cultural life .................................................... 1040. Right to acquire and hold property................................................... 1041. Freedom of movement and establishment ...................................... 1142. Fair and transparent hearings ........................................................... 1143. Fair administrative action .................................................................. 1244. Personal liability.................................................................................. 12

45. No unlawful arrest or detention ........................................................ 1246. Power of arrest and detention ........................................................... 1247. Search and seizure............................................................................... 1348. Rights on arrest and detention .......................................................... 1349. Release of accused ............................................................................... 1350. Prompt investigation and prosecution ............................................. 1451. Rights of the accused .......................................................................... 1452. Confessions and illegal evidence ....................................................... 1553. Assistance of legal counsel ................................................................. 15

54. No degrading treatment or torture ................................................... 1555. No imprisonment for non-fulfilment of contractual__...obligation ............................................................................................. 1556. Right to appeal ..................................................................................... 1557. Humane treatment of arrested or detained persons ...................... 1558. Compensation ...................................................................................... 1659. Retrospective legislation .................................................................... 1660. Prohibition of double jeopardy.......................................................... 1661. Publication of acts and regulations................................................... 16

62. Retention of other rights .................................................................... 1763. Voidance of laws inconsistent with fundamental rights ................ 1764. Non-compliance with unlawful orders............................................. 1765. Application to court to obtain a remedy.......................................... 1766. Voidance of laws inconsistent with rights and freedoms .............. 1867. Responsibilities and duties ................................................................ 1868. Interpretation....................................................................................... 1969. Non-destructive interpretation of Constitution.............................. 19


7/129

iii

CHAPTER IIITHE PEOPLES MAJLIS

70. Legislative authority............................................................................ 1971. Determination of the composition of the Peoples Majlis ............. 20

72. Election of members ........................................................................... 2173. Qualifications of members ................................................................. 2274. Court jurisdiction ................................................................................ 2475. Function of members .......................................................................... 2476. Declaration of assets ........................................................................... 2477. Resignation........................................................................................... 2478. Filling vacancy..................................................................................... 2479. Term of the Peoples Majlis................................................................ 2480. Extension of term of the Peoples Majlis .......................................... 25

81. Oath of office of members of the Peoples Majlis............................ 2582. Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Peoples Majlis ...................... 2583. Sittings of the Peoples Majlis ............................................................ 2784. Presidential address ............................................................................ 2785. Proceedings open to the public ......................................................... 2786. Quorum................................................................................................. 2787. Voting .................................................................................................... 2788. Regulation of procedure ..................................................................... 2889. Publication of proceedings of the Peoples Majlis .......................... 29

90. Privilege ................................................................................................ 2991. Presidential assent or return for reconsideration........................... 2992. Publication of laws in the Government Gazette.............................. 3093. Treaties ................................................................................................. 3094. Delegation of power to make regulations and orders with_.....lawful authority.................................................................................... 3095. Reference to Supreme Court.............................................................. 3196. Annual budget ...................................................................................... 3197. Taxation and expenditures................................................................. 31

98. Questioning of Ministers and members of the Government......... 3299. Summoning persons ........................................................................... 33100. Removal of President or Vice President......................................... 33101. Vote of no confidence in a member of the Cabinet....................... 34102. Salary and allowances....................................................................... 35103. Improper benefit ............................................................................... 35104. Secretary General .............................................................................. 35105. Security............................................................................................... 35


8/129

iv

CHAPTER IVTHE PRESIDENT

106. Executive power................................................................................. 36107. Term of office ..................................................................................... 36

108. Manner of Presidential election ...................................................... 36109. Qualifications for election as President.......................................... 36110. Election ............................................................................................... 37111. Presidential election.......................................................................... 37112. Vice President .................................................................................... 38113. Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.................................................. 38114. Oath of office of the President and Vice President ....................... 39115. Powers and responsibilities of the President ................................ 39116. Government Ministries..................................................................... 41

117. Responsibilities of the Vice President ............................................ 42118. Salary and allowances....................................................................... 42119. Restrictions ........................................................................................ 42120. Declaration of assets ......................................................................... 42121. Resignation......................................................................................... 42122. Vacancy of office of Vice President ................................................. 43123. Temporary inability of the President to perform his____responsibilities .................................................................................. 43124. Temporary incapacity to carry out duties ...................................... 44

125. Presidential elections on the vacancy of the office of___..President and Vice President ........................................................... 44126. Oath of office by persons temporarily discharging the___..duties of the office of President and Vice President ..................... 45127. Criminal accountability.................................................................... 45128. Immunity to a person who has served as the President .............. 45

CHAPTER V

THE CABINET OF MINISTERS

129. Cabinet of Ministers .......................................................................... 46130. Qualifications of Ministers ............................................................... 46131. Oath of office ...................................................................................... 47132. Responsibilities of the Cabinet ........................................................ 47133. Attorney General ............................................................................... 48134. Accountability and responsibility of the Cabinet .......................... 49135. Salary and allowances....................................................................... 50

136. Restrictions ........................................................................................ 50137. Dismissal............................................................................................. 50138. Declaration of assets ......................................................................... 50


9/129

v

139. Resignation......................................................................................... 50140. A minister to be responsible for each government____authority............................................................................................. 50

CHAPTER VITHE JUDICIARY

141. Judiciary............................................................................................. 51142. Compliance with Law........................................................................ 52143. Jurisdiction of the courts ................................................................. 52144. Powers in constitutional matters .................................................... 52145. Supreme Court ................................................................................... 53146. High Court .......................................................................................... 54

147. Appointment of the Chief Justice.................................................... 54148. Appointment of Judges .................................................................... 54149. Qualifications of Judges ................................................................... 55150. Oath of office of Judges .................................................................... 55151. Full time performance ...................................................................... 56152. Salary and allowances....................................................................... 56153. Declaration of assets ......................................................................... 56154. Tenure and removal .......................................................................... 56155. Power to determine the jurisdiction of courts and to enact

____administrative laws relating to the courts ..................................... 56156. Administration of the courts............................................................ 56

CHAPTER VIIINDEPENDENT COMMISSIONS AND OFFICES

JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION

157. Judicial Service Commission ........................................................... 57158. Composition of the Judicial Service Commission ........................ 57159. Responsibilities and powers ............................................................ 58160. Constituting the Judicial Service Commission ............................. 59161. Term of office of members of the Judicial Service____Commission ....................................................................................... 59162. Resignation from membership of the Judicial Service____Commission ....................................................................................... 60163. Quorum and voting ........................................................................... 60

164. Salary and allowances....................................................................... 60165. Removal from office .......................................................................... 60166. Oath of office ...................................................................................... 60


10/129

vi

ELECTIONS COMMISSION

167. Elections Commission ...................................................................... 61168. Appointment and composition of the Elections____Commission ....................................................................................... 61

169. Qualifications ..................................................................................... 61170. Responsibilities and powers ............................................................ 62171. Voting and recording of results ....................................................... 63172. Elections petitions ............................................................................. 63173. Term of office of members of the Elections Commission............ 63174. Resignation from membership of the Elections____Commission ....................................................................................... 63175. Quorum and voting ........................................................................... 64176. Salary and allowances ....................................................................... 64

177. Removal from office .......................................................................... 64178. Oath of office ...................................................................................... 64

CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

179. Civil Service Commission ................................................................. 65180. Appointment and composition of the Civil Service____Commission ....................................................................................... 65

181. Qualifications ..................................................................................... 65182. Responsibilities and powers ............................................................ 66183. Term of office of members of the Civil Service Commission ...... 68184. Resignation from membership of the Civil Service____Commission ....................................................................................... 68185. Quorum and voting ........................................................................... 68186. Salary and allowances....................................................................... 68187. Removal from office .......................................................................... 68188. Oath of office ...................................................................................... 69

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

189. Human Rights Commission............................................................. 69190. Appointment and composition of the Human Rights____Commission ....................................................................................... 69191. Qualifications ..................................................................................... 70192. Responsibilities and powers ............................................................ 70

193. Term of office of members of the Human Rights____Commission ....................................................................................... 71


11/129

vii

194. Resignation from membership of the Human Rights____Commission ....................................................................................... 71195. Quorum and voting ........................................................................... 71196. Salary and allowances....................................................................... 71197. Removal from office .......................................................................... 71

198. Oath of office ...................................................................................... 72

ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION

199. Anti-Corruption Commission .......................................................... 72200. Appointment and composition of the Anti-Corruption____Commission ....................................................................................... 72201. Qualifications ..................................................................................... 73

202. Responsibilities and powers ............................................................ 73203. Term of office of members of the Anti-Corruption____Commission ....................................................................................... 74204. Resignation from the Anti-Corruption Commission.................... 74205. Quorum and voting ........................................................................... 74206. Salary and allowances....................................................................... 74207. Removal from office .......................................................................... 74208. Oath of office ...................................................................................... 75

AUDITOR GENERAL

209. Auditor General ................................................................................. 75210. Appointment of Auditor General .................................................... 75211. Qualifications of Auditor General ................................................... 75212. Responsibilities and powers ............................................................ 75213. Reporting............................................................................................ 77214. Audit of the Auditor Generals office .............................................. 77

215. Term of office of the Auditor General............................................. 77216. Resignation of Auditor General....................................................... 77217. Salary and allowances....................................................................... 77218. Removal from office .......................................................................... 77219. Oath of office ...................................................................................... 77

PROSECUTOR GENERAL

220. Prosecutor General............................................................................ 78221. Appointment of Prosecutor General ............................................... 78


12/129

viii

222. Qualifications of Prosecutor General.............................................. 78223. Responsibilities and powers of the Prosecutor General .............. 79224. Acting through agents....................................................................... 80225. Term of office of the Prosecutor General ....................................... 80226. Resignation of Prosecutor General ................................................. 80

227. Salary and allowances....................................................................... 80228. Removal from office .......................................................................... 80229. Oath of office ...................................................................................... 81

CHAPTER VIIIDECENTRALISED ADMINISTRATION

230. Decentralised administration .......................................................... 81

231. Election of Councils .......................................................................... 82232. Responsibilities.................................................................................. 82233. Authority to enact subordinate legislation .................................... 83234. Finance................................................................................................ 83235. Ownership of property and liability for debts ............................... 83

CHAPTER IXSECURITY SERVICES

236. Security services ................................................................................ 83237. Responsibilities and duties .............................................................. 83238. Constitutional limitations ................................................................ 83239. Authority of the Peoples Majlis over the security services ......... 84240. Separate services ............................................................................... 84241. Multiparty committee of the Peoples Majlis................................. 84242. Ministerial Responsibility................................................................ 84243. Military Service .................................................................................. 84

244. Police Service ..................................................................................... 84245. Illegal orders and non-compliance ................................................. 85246. Equal treatment ................................................................................. 85

CHAPTER XPROPERTY, LIABILITIES AND LEGAL ACTIONS OF THE STATE

247. Property and assets owned and acquired by the State ................. 85

248. Land, sea and naturally occurring valuable resources................. 86249. Ownerless property........................................................................... 86250. Transactions relating to State property.......................................... 86


13/129

ix

251. Prohibition of foreign ownership and foreign military___...purposes............................................................................................. 87252. Legal actions in the name of the State............................................ 87

CHAPTER XISTATE OF EMERGENCY

253. Declaration of a state of emergency................................................ 87254. Content of the declaration................................................................ 88255. Limitations of the declaration ......................................................... 88256. Publication.......................................................................................... 90257. Submission of declaration to the Peoples Majlis .......................... 90258. Determination of disputes relating to the declaration ................. 90

259. Expiry or revocation of declaration ................................................ 90260. Public announcement of expiry of state of emergency................ 91

CHAPTER XIIAMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION

261. Amendment of the Constitution...................................................... 91262. Assent of President............................................................................ 91

263. Publication in Government Gazette................................................ 92264. Non-assent by President and national referendum ..................... 92265. Defeat of Bill....................................................................................... 92266. Provisions included in Bill ............................................................... 93267. No amendment during emergency................................................. 93

CHAPTER XIIIAPPLICATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE

CONSTITUTION

268. Supremacy of the Constitution........................................................ 93269. Continuance of laws in force............................................................ 93270. Continued effect of repealed laws ................................................... 93271. Regulations enacted under authority of Statute ........................... 93272. Ascertainment of time ...................................................................... 94273. Headings ............................................................................................. 94274. Definitions .......................................................................................... 94


14/129

x

CHAPTER XIVTRANSITIONAL MATTERS

275. Application of this Chapter .............................................................. 97276. Elections Commission ...................................................................... 97

277. Vacancy in Elections Commission .................................................. 99278. Qualifications of members of the Elections Commission............ 99279. Responsibilities of the Elections Commission .............................. 99280. Term of Elections Commission ....................................................... 99281. Judicial Service Commission ........................................................... 99282. Supreme Court................................................................................. 100283. Appointment of Judges to the Supreme Court............................ 102284. Term of Supreme Court .................................................................. 102285. Continuation of Judges................................................................... 102

286. Other courts...................................................................................... 103287. Jurisdiction of the courts ............................................................... 103288. Prosecutor General.......................................................................... 103289. Anti-Corruption Commission ........................................................ 104290. Independent Commissions ............................................................ 104291. Continuance of laws ........................................................................ 104292. No amendment to the Constitution .............................................. 104293. Commencement of this Constitution............................................ 104294. Continuance of the Peoples Majlis ............................................... 105

295. Responsibilities and powers of the Peoples Majlis .................... 105296. Election of the Peoples Majlis....................................................... 106297. Continuance of other posts and institutions ............................... 106298. Decentralised administration ........................................................ 107299. Obedience to the Constitution....................................................... 107300. Continuation in office of the President and the Cabinet of.Ministers .......................................................................................... 108301. Presidential election........................................................................ 109

SCHEDULE 1OATHS OF OFFICE

1. OATH OF OFFICE OF PRESIDENT ................................................ 1102. OATH OF OFFICE OF VICE PRESIDENT ...................................... 1103. OATH OF OFFICE OF MEMBERS OF THE CABINET................. 1104. OATH OF OFFICE OF MEMBERS OF THE PEOPLESMAJLIS................................................................................................. 111

5. OATH OF OFFICE OF CHIEF JUSTICE AND JUDGES ............... 1116. OATH OF OFFICE OF MEMBERS OF INDEPENDENT...COMMISSIONS AND INDEPENDENT OFFICES ........................ 111


15/129

xi

SCHEDULE 2ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS

...................................................................................................................... 112

SCHEDULE 3NATIONAL FLAG

National flag ............................................................................................... 113Composition of national flag.................................................................... 113Dimensions................................................................................................. 113Colours ........................................................................................................ 114


16/129

1

CHAPTER I

STATE, SOVEREIGNTY AND CITIZENS

Constitution 1. This is the Constitution of the Republic of theMaldives. Any reference to the Constitution herein isa reference to the Constitution of the Republic of theMaldives.

Republic of theMaldives

2. The Maldives is a sovereign, independent, democraticRepublic based on the principles of Islam, and is a

unitary State, to be known as the Republic of theMaldives. Any reference to the Maldives is a referenceto the Republic of the Maldives.

Territory of theMaldives

3. The territory of the Maldives encompasses the land, airspace, sea and seabed within the archipelagic baselinesof the Maldives drawn in accordance with the law, andincludes the territorial waters, the seabed and air spacethereof beyond the said baselines. Any changes to theterritory of the Maldives may only be made pursuant toa law enacted by at least a two-third majority of thetotal membership of the Peoples Majlis.

Powers of the citizens 4. All the powers of the State of the Maldives are derivedfrom, and remain with, the citizens.

Legislative power 5. All legislative power in the Maldives is vested in thePeoples Majlis.

Executive power 6. As provided for in this Constitution the executivepower is vested in the President.

Judicial power 7. The judicial power is vested in the courts of theMaldives.


17/129

2

Supremacy ofConstitution

8. The powers of the State shall be exercised inaccordance with this Constitution.

Citizens 9. (a)The following persons are citizens of theMaldives:

1. citizens of the Maldives at thecommencement of this Constitution;

2. children born to a citizen of the Maldives;and

3. foreigners who, in accordance with thelaw, become citizens of the Maldives.

(b)No citizen of the Maldives may be deprived ofcitizenship.

(c) Any person who wishes to relinquish hiscitizenship may do so in accordance with law.

(d)Despite the provisions of article (a) a non-Muslim may not become a citizen of theMaldives.

State Religion 10. (a)The religion of the State of the Maldives is Islam.Islam shall be the one of the basis of all the lawsof the Maldives

(b)No law contrary to any tenet of Islam shall beenacted in the Maldives

National Language 11. The national language of the Maldives is Dhivehi.

National Flag 12.

(a)The national flag of the Maldives consists of awhite crescent in the centre of a green rectangle


18/129

3

surrounded by a red border.

(b)The dimensions and colour code of the nationalflag and the placing of the crescent on the

national flag shall be as specified in Schedule 3of this Constitution.

Currency of theMaldives

13. The unit of currency of the Maldives is the Rufiyaa,divided into one hundred Laari.

Capital 14. The capital of the Maldives is the island of Male.

National Day 15. The national day of the Maldives is the first day of themonth of Rabeeu al-Awwal.

CHAPTER II

FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

Guarantee of Rights 16. (a)This Constitution guarantees to all persons, in amanner that is not contrary to any tenet ofIslam, the rights and freedoms contained withinthis Chapter, subject only to such reasonable

limits prescribed by a law enacted by thePeoples Majlis in a manner that is not contraryto this Constitution. Any such law enacted by thePeoples Majlis can limit the rights and freedomsto any extent only if demonstrably justified in afree and democratic society.

(b)The limitation of a right or freedom specified inthis Chapter by a law enacted by the Peoples

Majlis as provided for in this Constitution, and


19/129

4

in order to protect and maintain the tenets ofIslam, shall not be contrary to article (a).

(c)In deciding whether a right or freedom in thisChapter, has been limited in accordance witharticle (a) and (b), a court must be fullycognisant of and make reference to all the facts,including:

1. the nature and character of the right orfreedom;

2.the purpose and importance of limiting theright or freedom;

3.the extent and manner of limiting the rightor freedom;

4.the relationship between the limitation ofthe right or freedom and the importance of

the right or freedom;

5.the extent to which the objective for whichthe right or freedom has been limited couldhave been achieved by limiting the right orfreedom to a lesser degree;

6.the extent to which the right or freedommust be limited in order to protect thetenets of Islam, where the right or freedomhas been limited pursuant to article (b).

(d)The onus of establishing that the limitation toany extent, of a right or freedom included in thisChapter is within the reasonable limitationsprescribed in this Constitution is on the State orthe person asserting the limitation of the right or

freedom.


20/129

5

Non-discrimination 17. (a)Everyone is entitled to the rights and freedomsincluded in this Chapter without discriminationof any kind, including race, national origin,colour, sex, age, mental or physical disability,political or other opinion, property, birth or

other status, or native island.

(b)Special assistance or protection todisadvantaged individuals or groups, or togroups requiring special social assistance, asprovided in law shall not be deemed to bediscrimination, as provided for in article (a).

Duty of the State 18. It is the duty of the State to follow the provisions of thisConstitution, and to protect and promote the rights andfreedoms provided in this Chapter.

Freedom fromrestraint

19. A citizen is free to engage in any conduct or activitythat is not expressly prohibited by Islamic Shariah or by law. No control or restraint may be exercisedagainst any person unless it is expressly authorised by

law.

Equality 20. Every individual is equal before and under the law, andhas the right to the equal protection and equal benefitof the law.

Right to life 21. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of theperson, and the right not be deprived thereof to any

extent except pursuant to a law made in accordancewith Article 16 of this Constitution.

Protection of theenvironment

22. The State has a fundamental duty to protect andpreserve the natural environment, biodiversity,resources and beauty of the country for the benefit ofpresent and future generations. The State shallundertake and promote desirable economic and socialgoals through ecologically balanced sustainable

development and shall take measures necessary to


21/129

6

foster conservation, prevent pollution, the extinction ofany species and ecological degradation from any suchgoals.

Economic and social

rights23.

Every citizen the following rights pursuant to thisConstitution, and the State undertakes to achieve theprogressive realisation of these rights by reasonablemeasures within its ability and resources:

(a)adequate and nutritious food and clean water;

(b)clothing and housing;

(c)good standards of health care, physical andmental;

(d)a healthy and ecologically balancedenvironment;

(e)equal access to means of communication, theState media, transportation facilities, and thenatural resources of the country;

(f) the establishment of a sewage system of areasonably adequate standard on everyinhabited island;

(g)the establishment of an electricity system of areasonably adequate standard on everyinhabited island that is commensurate to thatisland.

Privacy 24. Everyone has the right to respect for his private andfamily life, his home and his private communications.Every person must respect these rights with respect to

others.


22/129

7

No slavery or forcedlabour

25. (a)No one shall be held in slavery or servitude, orbe required to perform forced labour.

(b)Compulsory military service, service required incases of emergency or calamity threatening thelife or well-being of the community, or servicerequired pursuant to a court order shall not bedeemed to be contrary to article (a).

Right to vote andrun for public office

26. Unless otherwise provided in this Constitution, everycitizen of the Maldives eighteen years of age or olderhas the right:

(a)to vote in elections, and in public referendums,which shall be held by secret ballot;

(b)to run for public office;

(c)to take part in the conduct of public affairs,directly or through freely chosenrepresentatives.

Freedom ofexpression

27. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought and thefreedom to communicate opinions and expression in amanner that is not contrary to any tenet of Islam.

Freedom of themedia

28. Everyone has the right to freedom of the press, andother means of communication, including the right toespouse, disseminate and publish news, information, views and ideas. No person shall be compelled todisclose the source of any information that is espoused,disseminated or published by that person.

Freedom ofacquiring andimpartingknowledge

29. Everyone has the freedom to acquire and impartknowledge, information and learning.


23/129

8

Freedom to formpolitical parties,associations andsocieties

30. (a)Every citizen has the right to establish and toparticipate in the activities of political parties.

(b)Everyone has the freedom to form associationsand societies, including the following:

1. the right to establish and participate inany association or society for economic,social, educational or cultural orpurposes;

2.the right to form trade unions, toparticipate or not participate in theiractivities.

Right to strike 31. Every person employed in the Maldives and all otherworkers have the freedom to stop work and to strike inorder to protest.

Freedom ofassembly

32. Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assemblywithout prior permission of the State.

Right to protectreputation and name

33. Everyone has the right to protect ones reputation andgood name.

Right to marry andestablishment of thefamily

34. (a)Every person of marriageable age as determinedby law has the right to marry, and to establish afamily as specified in law. The family, being thenatural and fundamental unit of society, isentitled to special protection by society and theState.

(b)Children must be afforded special protection asspecified in law in the event of a maritalbreakdown of the parents.

Special protection to

children, young,elderly and

35. (a)Children and young people are entitled tospecial protection and special assistance from


24/129

9

disadvantagedpeople

the family, the community and the State.Children and young people shall not be harmed,sexually abused, or discriminated against in anymanner and shall be free from unsuited socialand economic exploitation. No person shall

obtain undue benefit from their labour.

(b)Elderly and disadvantaged persons are entitledto protection and special assistance from thefamily, the community and the State.

Right to education 36. (a)Everyone has the right to education withoutdiscrimination of any kind.

(b)Primary and secondary education shall be freelyprovided by the State. It is imperative on parentsand the State to provide children with primaryand secondary education. Opportunity forhigher education shall be generally accessible toall citizens.

(c)Education shall strive to inculcate obedience toIslam, instil love for Islam, foster respect forhuman rights, and promote understanding,tolerance and friendship among all people.

Right to work 37. (a)Every citizen has the right to engage in anyemployment or occupation.

(b)Everyone is entitled to just and safe conditionsof work, fair wages, equal remuneration for workof equal value, and equal opportunity forpromotion.

(c)Everyone has the right to rest and leisure,including limits on hours of work and periodicholidays with pay.


25/129


26/129

11

Freedom ofmovement andestablishment

41. (a)Every citizen has the freedom to enter, remain inand leave the Maldives, and to travel within theMaldives.

(b)Every citizen has the right to move to, and takeup residence on, any inhabited island of theMaldives.

(c)Every citizen shall have equal access to thereceipt of rights and benefits from any islandwhere he has established residency.

Fair and transparent

hearings42.

(a)In the determination of ones civil rights andobligations or of any criminal charge, everyoneis entitled to a fair and public hearing within areasonable time by an independent court ortribunal established by law.

(b) All judicial proceedings in the Maldives shall be conducted with justice, transparency andimpartiality.

(c)Trials of any matter shall be held publicly, butthe presiding judge may exclude the public fromall or part of a trial in accordance withdemocratic norms:

1. in the interests of public morals, publicorder or national security;

2. where the interest of juveniles or thevictims of a crime so require; or

3. in other special circumstances wherepublicity would prejudice the interests ofjustice.


27/129

12

(d) All judgements or orders of a Court shall bepronounced publicly, unless the Courtspecifically orders otherwise for the reasonsstipulated in article (c). All publiclypronounced judgements or orders shall be

available to the public.

Fair administrativeaction

43. (a)Everyone has the right to administrative actionthat is lawful, procedurally fair, andexpeditious.

(b)Everyone whose rights have been adverselyaffected by administrative action has the right

to be given written reasons.

(c) Where the rights of a person, a group orcommunity has been adversely affected byadministrative action, every such person, groupor every person who may be directly affected bysuch action has the right to submit the matter tocourt.

Personal liability 44. The application of the criminal law or criminalprocedure, including the conduct of investigations,criminal proceedings and enforcement of sentences asprovided by law, shall extend to the accused persononly and shall not affect the legal rights or obligationsof any other person.

No unlawful arrest

or detention45.

Everyone has the right not to be arbitrarily detained,arrested or imprisoned except as provided by lawenacted by the Peoples Majlis in accordance withArticle 16 of this Constitution.

Power of arrest anddetention

46. No person shall be arrested or detained for an offenceunless the arresting officer observes the offence beingcommitted, or has reasonable and probable grounds orevidence to believe the person has committed an

offence or is about to commit an offence, or under the


28/129

13

authority of an arrest warrant issued by the court.

Search and seizure 47. (a)No person shall be subject to search or seizureunless there is reasonable cause.

(b)Residential property shall be inviolable, andshall not be entered without the consent of theresident, except to prevent immediate andserious harm to life or property, or under theexpress authorisation of an order of the Court.

Rights on arrest ordetention 48. Everyone has the right on arrest or detention:

(a)to be informed immediately of the reasonstherefore, and in writing within at least twentyfour hours;

(b)to retain and instruct legal counsel without delayand to be informed of this right, and to haveaccess to legal counsel facilitated until theconclusion of the matter for which he is underarrest or detention;

(c)to remain silent, except to establish identity, andto be informed of this right;

(d)to be brought within twenty four hours before aJudge, who has power to determine the validityof the detention, to release the person with or without conditions, or to order the continueddetention of the accused.

Release of accused 49. No person shall be detained in custody prior tosentencing, unless the danger of the accusedabsconding or not appearing at trial, the protection of

the public, or potential interference with witnesses or


29/129

14

evidence dictate otherwise. The release may be subjectto conditions of bail or other assurances to appear asrequired by the court.

Prompt investigation

and prosecution50.

After notice of an alleged offence has been brought tothe attention of the investigating authorities, thematter shall be investigated promptly, and wherewarranted, the Prosecutor General shall lay charges asquickly as possible.

Rights of the accused 51. Everyone charged with an offence has the right:

(a)to be informed without delay of the specificoffence in a language understood by theaccused;

(b)to be tried within a reasonable time;

(c)not to be compelled to testify;

(d)to an interpreter to be provided by the Statewhere he does not speak the language in whichthe proceedings are conducted, or is deaf ormute;

(e)to have adequate time and facilities for thepreparation of his defence and to communicate with and instruct legal counsel of his ownchoosing;

(f) to be tried in person, and to defend himselfthrough legal counsel of his own choosing;

(g)to examine the witnesses against him and toobtain the attendance and examination of


30/129

15

witnesses;

(h)to be presumed innocent until proven guiltybeyond a reasonable doubt.

Confessions andillegal evidence

52. No confession shall be admissible in evidence unlessmade in court by an accused who is in a sound state ofmind. No statement or evidence must be obtained fromany source by compulsion or by unlawful means andsuch statement or evidence is inadmissible in evidence.

Assistance of legalcounsel

53. (a)Everyone has the right to retain and instructlegal counsel at any instance where legalassistance is required.

(b)In serious criminal cases, the State shall providea lawyer for an accused person who cannotafford to engage one.

No degradingtreatment or torture

54. No person shall be subjected to cruel, inhumane or

degrading treatment or punishment, or to torture.

No imprisonmentfor non-fulfilment ofcontractualobligation

55. No person shall be imprisoned on the ground of non-fulfilment of a contractual obligation.

Right to appeal 56. Everyone related to a matter has the right to appeal aconviction and sentence, or judgement or order in a

criminal or civil matter.

Humane treatmentof arrested ordetained persons

57. Everyone deprived of liberty through arrest ordetention as provided by law, pursuant to an order ofthe court, or being held in State care for social reasons,shall be treated with humanity and with respect for theinherent dignity of the human person. A person may bedeprived of the rights or freedoms specified in thisChapter only to the extent required for the purpose for

which he is deprived of his liberty.


31/129

16

Compensation 58. Everyone who has been arrested or detained withoutlegal authority or justification has the right to becompensated.

Retrospective

legislation59.

(a)No person shall be found guilty of any act oromission which did not constitute an offenceunder Islamic Shariah or law at the timecommitted. Nor shall a more severe penalty beimposed than the one applicable at the time theoffence was committed. If the punishment for anoffence has been reduced between the time ofcommission and the time of sentencing, theaccused is entitled to the benefit of the lesser

punishment.

(b)This Article shall not prejudice the trial andpunishment of any person for any act which wascriminal according to international law.

Prohibition ofdouble jeopardy

60. (a)If an accused is acquitted of an offence by acourt, he shall not be tried again for the same or

substantially the same offence. If an accused isfound guilty and punished for an offence he shallnot be tried or punished again for the same orsubstantially the same offence.

(b)The principle stated in article (a) does not applyto appeals relating to the offence.

Publication of acts

and regulations61.

(a) All statutes, regulations, government ordersrequiring compliance by citizens andgovernment policies shall be published andmade available to the public.

(b)No person may be subjected to any punishmentexcept pursuant to a statute or pursuant to aregulation made under authority of a statute,which has been made available to the public and

which defines the criminal offence and the


32/129

17

punishment for commission of the offence.

(c) All information concerning governmentdecisions and actions shall be made public,

except information that is declared to be Statesecrets by a law enacted by the Peoples Majlis.

(d)Every citizen has the right to obtain allinformation possessed by the Government aboutthat person.

Retention of otherrights

62. (a)The enumeration of rights and freedoms in thisChapter are guaranteed equally to female andmale persons.

(b)The enumeration of rights and freedomsindividually in this Chapter shall not beconstrued to deny or negate other rightsretained by the people which are not specified inthis Chapter.

Voidance of lawsinconsistent withfundamental rights

63. Any law or part of any law contrary to the fundamentalrights or freedoms guaranteed by this Chapter shall bevoid or void to the extent of such inconsistency.

Non-compliancewith unlawful orders

64. No employee of the State shall impose any orders on aperson except under authority of a law. Everyone hasthe right not to obey an unlawful order.

Application to courtto obtain a remedy

65. Anyone whose rights or freedoms, as guaranteed bythis Chapter, have been infringed or denied may applyto a court to obtain a just remedy.

Voidance of lawsinconsistent withrights and freedoms

66. All existing statutes, regulations, decrees and noticesinconsistent with the fundamental rights and freedomsprovisions in this Chapter shall, to the extent of theinconsistency, become void on the commencement of

this Constitution.


33/129

18

Responsibilities andduties

67. The exercise and enjoyment of fundamental rights andfreedoms is inseparable from the performance ofresponsibilities and duties, and it is the responsibilityof every citizen:

(a)to respect and protect the rights and freedoms ofothers;

(b)to foster tolerance, mutual respect, andfriendship among all people and groups;

(c)to contribute to the well-being and advancementof the community;

(d)to promote the sovereignty, unity, security,integrity and dignity of the Maldives;

(e)to respect the Constitution and the rule of law;

(f) to promote democratic values and practices in amanner that is not inconsistent with any tenetof Islam;

(g)to preserve and protect the State religion ofIslam, culture, language and heritage of thecountry;

(h)to preserve and protect the natural environment,biodiversity, resources and beauty of the countryand to abstain from all forms of pollution andecological degradation;

(i) to respect the national flag, state emblem andthe national anthem.

Every person in the Maldives must also respect these


34/129

19

CHAPTER III

THE PEOPLES MAJLIS

Legislative authority 70. (a)The legislative authority of the Maldives shall bevested in the Peoples Majlis.

(b)The law making powers of the Peoples Majlispursuant to article (a), includes the followingpowers:

1. the amendment of this Constitution, inaccordance with the terms providedherein;

2.the enactment of legislation with regardto any matter, or the amendment orrepeal of any law, which is notinconsistent with any tenet of Islam;

duties.

Interpretation 68. When interpreting and applying the rights andfreedoms contained within this Chapter, a court or

tribunal shall promote the values that underlie an openand democratic society based on human dignity,equality and freedom, and shall consider internationaltreaties to which the Maldives is a party.

Non-destructiveinterpretation ofConstitution

69. No provision of the Constitution shall be interpreted ortranslated in a manner that would grant to the State orany group or person the right to engage in any activityor perform any act aimed at the destruction of the

rights and freedoms set out in this Constitution.


35/129

20

3. the supervision of the exercise ofexecutive authority and ensuring theexecutive authority is accountable for theexercise of its powers, and taking thesteps required for ensuring the same;

4.the approval of the annual budget andany supplementary budget;

5. the determination of matters relating toIndependent Commissions andIndependent Offices in accordance withlaw;

6.the holding of public referendums onissues of public importance;

7. the performance of all duties otherwiseexpressly required by this Constitutionand by law.

(c)The Peoples Majlis shall not pass any law thatcontravenes any tenet of Islam.

(d)Any matter submitted to the Peoples Majlis forapproval includes the power of the PeoplesMajlis to accept, reject, revoke or amend thedisposition of the matter.

(e)Any appointment or dismissal submitted to thePeoples Majlis for approval includes the powerof the Peoples Majlis to accept or reject theappointment or dismissal.

Determination of thecomposition of thePeoples Majlis

71. (a)The membership of the Peoples Majlis shall bedetermined in accordance with the followingprinciples:


36/129

21

1. two members for the first five thousandresidents registered for each administrativedivision or two members for administrativedivisions with less than five thousandresidents; and

2. where the residents registered to anadministrative division exceed fivethousand residents, one additional memberfor each group of five thousand residents inexcess of the first five thousand.

(b)The administrative divisions at the time thisConstitution comes into force, referred to in this Article shall be the twenty administrative Atollsplus Male, for a total of twenty one. The detailsof the administrative divisions are specified inSchedule 2 of this Constitution.

Election of members 72. (a)Each administrative division shall establishseparate electoral constituencies in accordance

with the principles specified in Article 71 of thisConstitution. All members shall be elected from aseparate electoral constituency.

(b)The person elected from amongst those standingfor election in each separate electoralconstituency shall be the person receiving thegreatest number of votes by secret ballot.

(c)A law shall specify the manner of determining thenumber of electoral constituencies in eachadministrative division and the boundaries ofeach electoral constituency. Such law shall specifythe principles pursuant to which the populationon each administrative division shall be dividedinto the separate electoral constituencies suchthat there is an approximately equal division ofthe population.


37/129

22

Qualifications ofmembers

73. (a)A person elected to be a member of the PeoplesMajlis shall be so qualified if he:

1. is a citizen of the Maldives;

2. is not a citizen of a foreign country;

3. is a Muslim and a follower of a Sunnischool of Islam;

4.

has attained the age of eighteen years; and

5. is of sound mind.

(b)A person who has acquired Maldivian citizenshipis qualified to be a member of the Peoples Majlisfive years after the acquisition of citizenship and is

domiciled in the Maldives.

(c)A person shall be disqualified from election as, amember of the Peoples Majlis, or a a member ofthe Peoples Majlis immediately becomesdisqualified, if he:

1. has a decreed debt which is not being paidas provided in the judgement;

2. has been convicted of a criminal offenceand is serving a sentence of more thantwelve months;

3. has been convicted of a criminal offenceand sentenced to a term of more than

twelve months, unless a period of three


38/129

23

years has elapsed since his release, orpardon for the offence for which he wassentenced;

4.

is a member of the Judiciary.

(d)Unless otherwise specifically provided in theConstitution, a member of the Peoples Majlisshall not continue to hold office in:

1. the Cabinet of Ministers;

2. the office of State Minister, DeputyMinister, or other State office of anequivalent level;

3. an Independent Commission or anIndependent Office;

4. the Civil Service;

5. a corporation wholly or partly owned ormanaged by the Government;

6. the Armed Forces;

7. the Police;

8. any other office of the State except an officeheld by virtue of being a member of thePeoples Majlis.


39/129

24

Court jurisdiction 74. Any question concerning the qualifications or removal,or vacating of seats, of a member of the Peoples Majlisshall be determined by the Supreme Court.

Function of

members75.

Members of the Peoples Majlis should be guided intheir actions by considerations of national interest andpublic welfare foremost, and should not exploit theirofficial positions in any way for their own benefit or forthe benefit of those with whom they have specialrelations. They shall represent not only theirconstituencies but the country as a whole.

Declaration of assets 76. Every member shall anually submit to the Secretary

General of the Peoples Majlis a statement of allproperty and monies owned by him, business interestsand liabilities. Such declarations shall include thedetails of any other employment and obligations ofsuch employment.

Resignation 77. A member of the Peoples Majlis may resign his seat bywriting under his hand addressed to the Speaker, and

the seat shall become vacant when the resignation isreceived by the Speaker.

Filling vacancy 78. Whenever there is a vacancy among the members ofthe Peoples Majlis, an election shall be held withinsixty days from the date of the vacancy. A by-electionshall not be held within six months prior to a generalelection.

Term of the PeoplesMajlis

79. (a)The Peoples Majlis shall continue for five yearsfrom the date of its first sitting, and shall thenstand dissolved. The first sitting of the newlyelected Peoples Majlis shall be held immediatelyafter the dissolution of the previous PeoplesMajlis.


40/129

25

(b)Election of members to the new Peoples Majlisand all matters pertaining thereto shall beconcluded thirty days prior to the expiration ofthe existing Peoples Majlis.

Extension of term ofthe Peoples Majlis

80. In the event of a declaration of a state of emergency,making it difficult to hold a general election, the termof the Peoples Majlis may be extended by a resolutionenacted by the Peoples Majlis for a period notexceeding one year if such resolution is supported bytwo-thirds of the total membership of the PeoplesMajlis. When the declaration of the state of emergencyexpires or is revoked during an extended term, thePeoples Majlis shall not continue for a period longerthan sixty days, and all matters relating to the electionof a new Peoples Majlis shall be completed within thattime.

Oath of office ofmembers of thePeoples Majlis

81. A person elected as a member of the Peoples Majlisshall assume membership in the Peoples Majlis upon

taking and subscribing, before the Chief Justice or hisdesignate, the oath of office of members of the PeoplesMajlis set out in Schedule 1 of this Constitution.

Speaker and DeputySpeaker of thePeoples Majlis

82. (a)The Peoples Majlis shall at the first sitting afterthe general election elect a Speaker and aDeputy Speaker from its members by secret ballot. Until such time as a Speaker and a

Deputy Speaker is elected the Peoples Majlisshall be presided over by the consecutivelylongest serving member from among thosepresent. Where there are a number of memberswho have consecutively served the longest thenthe Majlis shall be presided over by the membermost senior by age of those having servedconsecutively the longest.


41/129

26

(b)The Speaker, or in his absence the DeputySpeaker, shall preside over sittings of thePeoples Majlis, and if neither is present, aperson to preside over the sitting shall bedetermined as provided in the Regulations

governing the Proceedings of Peoples Majlis.

(c)The Speaker may resign from his post by writingunder his hand addressed to the DeputySpeaker, and the post shall become vacant whenthe resignation is received by the DeputySpeaker. The Deputy Speaker may resign fromhis post by writing under his hand addressed to

the Speaker, and the post shall become vacantwhen the resignation is received by the Speaker.

(d)The Speaker or the Deputy Speaker shall vacatehis office:

1. if he ceases to be a member of thePeoples Majlis; or

2. if the Peoples Majlis at any time soresolves.

(e)No such resolution shall be moved unlessfourteen days notice has been given to thePeoples Majlis of the intention to move theresolution.

(f) The Speaker shall not preside over the debateconcerning his removal. The Deputy Speakershall also not preside over any debateconcerning his removal.

(g)The Speaker and the Deputy Speaker have theright to take part and defend themselves in any

debate concerning their removal. However theymay not take part in any vote concerning their


42/129

27

removal.

Sittings of thePeoples Majlis

83. There shall be at least three sessions of the Peoples

Majlis every year. The dates for the commencementand conclusion of the sessions must be specified in theRegulations governing the Proceedings of PeoplesMajlis. The sessions shall generally be held at theHouse of the Peoples Majlis.

Presidential address 84. At the beginning of the first session of each year at thefirst sitting, the President shall address the PeoplesMajlis on the state of the country, and may present

proposals for improving the state of the country to thePeoples Majlis.

Proceedings open tothe public

85. (a)Subject to article (b), meetings of the PeoplesMajlis and its committees shall be open to thepublic.

(b) A majority of those present and voting of themembers of the Peoples Majlis or of acommittee may decide to exclude the public andthe press from all or any part of the proceedingsif there is a compelling need to do so in theinterests of public order or national security.

(c)Article (b) does not prevent the Peoples Majlisfrom specifying additional reasons for excluding

the public from all or any part of a committeemeeting of the Peoples Majlis.

Quorum 86. The presence of at least twenty five percent of themembers, shall constitute a quorum of the PeoplesMajlis.

Voting 87. (a)Unless otherwise provided in this Constitution,all decisions of the Peoples Majlis shall bedecided by a majority of votes of the members


43/129

28

present and voting.

(b)Despite the provisions of Article 86 of thisConstitution, voting on any matter requiring

compliance by citizens shall only be undertakenwhen more than half of the total membership ofthe Peoples Majlis are present at the sitting atwhich the matter is voted upon.

(c)The Speaker or other person presiding oversittings of the Peoples Majlis shall not vote onany question, but in the event of an equality ofvotes, he shall have and exercise a casting vote.

(d)The Speaker or other person presiding oversittings of the Peoples Majlis may vote when aquestion must be decided by a two-thirds orthree-quarters majority of the members.

Regulation ofprocedure

88. (a)Subject to the provisions of this Constitution,the Peoples Majlis shall:

1. determine and control its administrativearrangements, hiring and firing ofemployees, determination of salaries ofemployees, and manage all mattersconcerning the sittings of the PeoplesMajlis. The Peoples Majlis shall makeregulations concerning these matters;

2. make regulations and principlesconcerning its business, with due regard torepresentative and participatorydemocracy, accountability, transparencyand public involvement. Such regulationsmay include rules of decorum andattendance requirements, and, subject tothe consent of two-thirds of the members,

may provide for non-payment of salary


44/129

29

and allowances.

(b)Unless otherwise specified in this Constitution,the validity of any proceedings in the PeoplesMajlis shall not be questioned in any court oflaw.

Publication ofproceedings of thePeoples Majlis

89. All proceedings of the Peoples Majlis shall bepublished in the minutes of the Peoples Majlis andavailable to the public.

Privilege 90.

(a)No member or other person shall be liable toany proceedings in any court, and no personshall be subject to any inquiry, arrest, detentionor prosecution, with respect to anything said in,produced before, or submitted to the PeoplesMajlis or any of its committees, or with respectto any vote given if the same is not contrary toany tenet of Islam.

(b)No person or newspaper or journal shall beliable in respect of any report or proceedingsmade or published under the authority of thePeoples Majlis, or in respect of any fair andaccurate report of the proceedings of thePeoples Majlis or any of its committees, wherethis is done in accordance with principlesspecified by the Peoples Majlis.

Presidential assentor return forreconsideration

91. (a)Every Bill passed by the Peoples Majlis shall bepresented for assent by the President withinseven days from the date of its passing, and thePresident shall, within fifteen days of receipt,assent to the Bill or return the Bill forreconsideration of the Bill or of any amendmentproposed by the President.


45/129

30

(b) Any Bill returned to the Peoples Majlis forreconsideration shall be assented to by thePresident and published in the GovernmentGazette if the Bill, after reconsideration, ispassed without any amendments, by a majority

of the total membership of the Peoples Majlis.

(c) Any Bill not returned for reconsideration oramendment or assented to by the President within the specified time shall be deemed tohave been assented to by the President and shallbe published in the Government Gazette.

Publication of lawsin the GovernmentGazette

92. A Bill passed by the Peoples Majlis shall become lawwhen assented to by the President. Every Bill assentedto by the President shall be published in theGovernment Gazette on the day of assent. Such lawshall come into force when it is published in theGovernment Gazette, or on such later date followingpublication stipulated in the statute.

Treaties 93.

(a)Treaties entered into by the Executive in thename of the State with foreign states andinternational organizations shall be approved bythe Peoples Majlis, and shall come into forceonly in accordance with the decision of thePeoples Majlis.

(b)Despite the provisions of article (a), citizensshall only be required to act in compliance with

treaties ratified by the State as provided for in alaw enacted by the Peoples Majlis.

Delegation of powerto make regulationsand orders withlawful authority

94. The Peoples Majlis may, pursuant to law and forprescribed purposes, delegate to any person or bodypower to make orders, and regulations, or otherinstruments having legislative effect, including thepower to:


46/129

31

(a)determine a date on which any law shall comeinto or cease to have effect;

(b)make any law or part thereof applicable to anyarea or to any class of persons.

Reference toSupreme Court

95. The Peoples Majlis may by resolution refer to theSupreme Court for hearing and considerationimportant questions of law concerning any matter,including the interpretation of the Constitution and theconstitutional validity of any statute. The SupremeCourt shall answer the questions so referred and shallprovide the answers to the Peoples Majlis, givingreasons for its answers. The opinion shall bepronounced in like manner as in the case of a judgmenton appeal to the Supreme Court.

Annual budget 96. (a)Prior to the commencement of each financial year, the Minister of Finance shall submit forapproval to the Peoples Majlis a budgetcontaining the projected revenue and

expenditures for the year, and a statement ofactual revenue and expenditures for thepreceding year.

(b)The Peoples Majlis may approve or amend thebudget submitted by the Minister of Finance asin its discretion it deems fit.

(c) No supplementary expenditures shall be addedto an approved budget without further approvalby the Peoples Majlis. Expenditures included inthe budget shall be applied solely for thespecified purpose.

Taxation andexpenditures

97. The Executive shall not:


47/129

32

(a) spend any public money or property;

(b) levy any taxation;

(c)obtain or receive any money or property by loanor otherwise;

(d)provide any sovereign guarantees;

except pursuant to a law enacted by the PeoplesMajlis.

Questioning ofMinisters andmembers of theGovernment

98. (a) The Peoples Majlis may require the presence ofany member of the Cabinet or member of theGovernment to attend proceedings of thePeoples Majlis, and to respond under oathtruthfully to questions put to them and toproduce documents, required by the PeoplesMajlis relating to the due performance of the

obligations and responsibilities of such person.

(b)Every member of the Peoples Majlis has theright to question, in the manner specified by thePeoples Majlis and either orally or in writing, amember of the Cabinet or head of a Governmentoffice, concerning the performance of his duties.

(c) Any member of the Cabinet or member of theGovernment office to whom a question isaddressed as provided for in article (b) shallanswer to the best of his knowledge and ability.

(d)The questions and answers given as provided forin this Article, whether orally or in writing, shall be published in the same manner as the

proceedings of the Peoples Majlis.


48/129

33

Summoning persons 99. The Peoples Majlis or any of its committees has thepower to:

(a) summon any person to appear before it to giveevidence under oath, or to produce documents. Any person who is questioned by the PeoplesMajlis as provided for in this Article shallanswer to the best of his knowledge and ability;

(b)require any person or institution to report to it;(c) receive petitions, representations or

submissions from interested persons orinstitutions.

Removal ofPresident or VicePresident

100. (a) The Peoples Majlis, by a resolution, mayremove the President or the Vice President fromoffice only on the grounds of:

1. direct violation of a tenet of Islam, theConstitution or law;

2. serious misconduct unsuited to the office ofthe President or Vice President; or

3. inability to perform the responsibilities ofoffice of President or Vice President.

(b)A resolution as provided for in article (a), must be submitted to the Peoples Majlis, under thehand of at least one third of the members,specifying the reasons.

(c) The Peoples Majlis may establish a committeeto investigate the matters specified in theresolution calling for removal of the President or

Vice President.


49/129

34

(d)At least fourteen days notice of the debate in thePeoples Majlis concerning such a resolutionshall be given to the President or Vice President,and the President or the Vice President shallhave the right to defend himself in the sittings of

the Peoples Majlis, both orally and in writing,and has the right to legal counsel.

(e) A resolution to remove the President or VicePresident from office as specified in article (a)shall only be passed if it receives a two-thirdsmajority of the total membership of the PeoplesMajlis, and in such event the President or Vice

President shall cease to hold office.

(f) The Regulations governing the functioning ofthe Peoples Majlis shall specify the principlesand procedures concerning a resolution toremove the President or Vice President fromoffice as provided in this Constitution.

Vote of noconfidence in amember of theCabinet

101. (a) A motion expressing want of confidence in amember of the Cabinet may be moved in thePeoples Majlis, under the hand of at least tenmembers, specifying the reasons.

(b)At least fourteen days notice of the debate in thePeoples Majlis concerning a motion underarticle (a) shall be given to the concerned

member of the Cabinet, and he shall have theright to defend himself in the sittings of thePeoples Majlis, both orally and in writing.

(c) A motion of want of confidence concerning amember of the Cabinet shall be passed by amajority of the total membership of the PeoplesMajlis.


50/129

35

(d)A member of Cabinet against whom a motion of want of confidence has been passed by thePeoples Majlis shall cease to hold office.

Salary and

allowances102.

The President, Vice President, members of the Cabinet,members of the Peoples Majlis, including the Speakerand Deputy Speaker, members of the Judiciary, andmembers of the Independent Commissions andIndependent Offices shall be paid such salary andallowances as determined by the Peoples Majlis.

Improper benefit 103. The members of the Peoples Majlis and personsappointed or employed by them shall not use their

position or any information entrusted to them toimproperly benefit themselves or any other person.

Secretary General 104. The Peoples Majlis shall, as provided for in itsregulations, appoint a Secretary General to establishand manage the secretariat, to arrange for the sittingsand documentation of the Peoples Majlis, andgenerally to assist the Speaker and the members.

Security 105. (a) The security of the House of the Peoples Majlis,all property attached thereto and all offices andfacilities where its work is conducted shall beprotected by the security services of the State

(b)The security services of the State shall ensurethe protection and safety of all members of the

Peoples Majlis.


51/129

36

CHAPTER IV

THE PRESIDENT

Executive power 106. (a)The executive power is vested in the President asprovided for in the Constitution and the law.

(b)The President shall be the Head of State, theHead of Government, and the Commander inChief of the Armed Forces.

(c)The principles of governance of the State beingdetermined by this Constitution, the Presidentshall uphold, defend and respect theConstitution, and shall promote the unity of theState.

(d)The President shall exercise Executive authorityas provided for in the Constitution and law.

Term of office 107. (a)The President shall hold office for a term of five years and no person elected as Presidentpursuant to this Constitution shall serve formore than two terms in office, whetherconsecutive or otherwise.

(b) A vacancy in the office of President leading tothe Vice President succeeding to the presidency

shall only be considered as a term in officewithin the meaning of article (a) if there are atleast two years remaining in that term of office.

Manner ofPresidential election

108. The President shall be elected directly by the people byuniversal and secret suffrage.

Qualifications forelection as President

109. A person elected as President shall have the following

qualifications:


52/129

37

(a) be a Maldivian citizen born to parents who areMaldivian citizens, and who is not also a citizenof a foreign country;

(b)be a Muslim and a follower of a Sunni school ofIslam;

(c)be at least thirty-five years of age;

(d)be of sound mind;

(e)not have an undischarged decreed debt;

(f) not have been convicted of a criminal offenceand sentenced to a term of more than twelvemonths, unless a period of three years haselapsed since his release, or pardon for theoffence for which he was sentenced; and

(g)despite the provisions of article (f), not havebeen convicted of an offence for which a haddisprescribed in Islam or of fraud, deception orcriminal breach of trust.

Election 110. Elections for the office of President shall be held within

one hundred and twenty days to thirty days prior to theexpiry of the existing presidential term.

Presidential election 111. (a)The President shall be elected by over fiftypercent of the votes. If no candidate obtainssuch majority, a run-off election must be held within twenty one days after the first election.The run-off election shall be contested only bythe two candidates receiving the highest number

of votes in the first election. If the two


53/129

38

candidates receiving the highest number of votesin the first election have an equal number of votes, only those two candidates shall competein the run-off election. If there are twocandidates in second position with an equal

number of votes, then the run-off election shallbe held among the top three candidates.

(b)If any of the two candidates withdraws from therun-off election, the candidate receiving thethird highest number of votes in the firstelection may stand for election in the run-offelection.

(c)The Peoples Majlis shall enact a statutegoverning the conduct of presidential elections.

Vice President 112. (a)There shall be a Vice President of the Maldiveswho shall assist the President in the discharge ofhis duties and responsibilities.

(b)Every candidate for President shall publiclydeclare the name of the Vice President who willserve with him.

(c)The qualifications of office for the Vice Presidentshall be the same as those for the President.

(d)If the office of the President becomes vacant forany reason, the Vice President shall succeed tothe office of the President.

Jurisdiction of theSupreme Court

113. The Supreme Court, sitting together in session, shallhave sole and final jurisdiction to determine alldisputes concerning the qualification ordisqualification, election, status, of a presidentialcandidate or running mate or removal of the President

by the Peoples Majlis.


54/129


55/129

40

(g)to preside over the Cabinet of Ministers;

(h)to issue declarations of war and peace, and toimmediately submit such declarations to thePeoples Majlis for approval;

(i) to declare states of emergency, in accordancewith the provisions of the Constitution;

(j) to determine, conduct and oversee the foreignpolicy of the country, and to conduct politicalrelations with foreign nations and internationalorganizations;

(k)1. to enter into general treaties and

agreements with foreign states andinternational organizations, which do notimpose any obligations on citizens;

2. to enter into and ratify, with the approvalof the Peoples Majlis, treaties andagreements with foreign states andinternational organizations, whichimpose obligations on citizens;

(l) to appoint members of diplomatic missions toforeign countries and internationalorganizations in consultation with the PeoplesMajlis;

(m)to recall and remove from office members ofdiplomatic missions to foreign countries andinternational organizations;

(n)to receive and recognize the credentials of


56/129

41

diplomatic and consular representatives offoreign countries and other parties and to accepttheir letters of recall;

(o)to appoint temporary commissions to advise thePresident on national issues and conductinvestigations;

(p)to hold public referendums on issues of nationalimportance;

(q)to declare national and government holidays;

(r)to issue awards, medals and honorary titles, asprovided by law;

(s)to grant pardons or reductions of sentence asprovided by law, to persons convicted of acriminal offence who have no further right ofappeal;

(t) to ensure that the security services comply withtheir obligations as provided in thisConstitution;

(u)to perform all other duties specificallyauthorized by this Constitution and by law.

GovernmentMinistries

116. (a)The President has discretion to establish allministries required within the Government, andshall determine their areas of j

constitution maldives

Documents