Maaita of Freice

Má’ita of the State of Freice
National emblem of Freice
Flag of Freice
Incumbent Kána Talá'akel since 30 January 2023
Residence	La Seigneurie (traditional)
Appointer	Hereditary, with provision for pre-selection by incumbent
Inaugural holder	Tuá Kálalek
Formation	1872

The Má’ita of Freice is the constitutional head of state of the State of Freice. Under the Constitution, the office of Má'ita combines the functions and nature of a monarch and a republican president, being an hereditary office held for life. As head of state and nominal chief executive, the Má'ita is responsible for representing Freice overseas, embodying the state, and appointing government officials to whom they are obliged to delegate power.

The current Má'ita, since 30 January 2023, is Kána Talá'akel, who succeeded his brother on his sudden death following a brief illness.

Description

The Má'ita's office is hereditary and governed, like a monarchy, by a House Law, which deals with matters pertaining to the organisation of the office not covered in other relevant law. The House Law, as amended in 2018, provides that the Má'ita is passed "through the blood," but that it may be "discharged from family possession by and with the advice and consent of the Council and of the People." As such, the office may be mortgaged or sold, as happened in 1921.

Although House Law requires that holders of the office be related to their predecessor, there is no requirement that they be a direct inheritor. The Má'ita may, in their will, direct that a specific relative may inherit the office. This provision is most readily utilised when it is apparent that the immediate heir is unwilling or unable to assume the role, or that such a succession would be unpalatable to the general population. Women face no barrier to succession, beyond the personal prejudices of the Má'ita, and there have been a number of female incumbents, who rule with the title of "Máv'liné" (Great Lady"

Although House Law requires that holders of the office be related to their predecessor, there is no requirement that they be a direct inheritor. The Má'ita may, in their will, direct that a specific relative may inherit the office. This provision is most readily utilised when it is apparent that the immediate heir is unwilling or unable to assume the role, or that such a succession would be unpalatable to the general population.

The Má'ita does not possess any distinct style or title beyond that of Má'ita. However, they are commonly addressed as "My Lord" or "My Lady" in the case of a Máv'liné.

Má'itas and Máv'linés of Freice

1. Kána Talá'akel (2023-present)

The heir apparent to the seigneurship is the present má'ita's brother.