Politics of Mava: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
 
(67 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Template:Politics of Mava}}
{{Template:Politics of Mava}}
The '''politics of Mava''' takes place in the framework of a parliamentary representative democratic dependency as set out in the Mavean Constitution. Under this system, the Governor exercises the duties of head of state in the absence of the [[Atitlan|president of Atitlan]], with an elected [[Mava Council]] proposing laws, national policy, reviewing and approving the budget and finance, and holding the government to account. The Leader of the Mava Council is elected by the council to lead the government.
The '''politics of [[Mava]]''' takes place in a framework of limited self-government as a dependent territory of [[Atitlan]], whereby the Monarch of Atitlan is constitutional head of state and the [[List of leaders of Mava|Leader of Mava Council]] is head of government.


Mava, an archipelago in the Sarosan Ocean, is a self-governing territory that is officially described as an unincorporated territorial area of Atitlan. Executive power is exercised on behalf of the President of Atitlan by an Atitlanese-appointed Governor acting on the advice of the Executive Council. The Governor is non-resident and their powers are usually exercised by an Administrator, who is almost always a resident Mavean. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Council. The judiciary is independence of the executive and legislative branches. Military defence and foreign policy remains the responsibility of Atitlan.
Under the islands' Organic Act, enacted in 1961, executive and legislative power is vested in the 16-member [[Mava Council]], which delegates its executive functions to a smaller cabinet called the Executive Board (Mavean: ''Taapiitmatiikiuta''; Almagrian: ''Comité Ejecutivo)''. The judiciary is independent of the executive and legislative branches. Military defence is the responsibility of Atitlan; the islands are largely demilitarised, with the Kingdom of Atitlan Air Force operating only a scientific base.


==Executive branch==
== Executive branch ==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+Main office-holders
!Office
!Name
!Party
!Since
|-
|-
! Office !! Name !! Party !! Since
|Monarch
|Macuilxochitzin
|
|1 March 2019
|-
|-
| President || Jesús Juárez Hurtado || Socialist Party || 11 March 2021
|Representative of the Government
|Jose Miguel Artigas
|
|29 June 2022
|-
|-
| Governor (non-{{abbr|res.|resident}}) || Tomas Rabellino || (None) || 4 March 2020
|[[List of leaders of Mava|Leader of the Council]]
|-
|[[Kausaanek Malaati]]
| Administrator || Asamak Umaakasarmuk || (None) || 19 August 2021
|
|-
|22 March 2023
| Leader of the Council || [[Kausaanek Malaati]] || (None) || 22 March 2023
|}
|}
The President of Atitlan is represented by a non-resident Governor of the Mava Islands, who is usually a career civil servant rather than a diplomat. A resident Administrator, appointed by the Governor, serves as the Governor's representative to the territory. The Administrator is responsible for discharging the duties of the head of state, and also serves as the liaison between the Governor and the Mava Council. The Executive Council for Mava advises the Administrator on the exercising of their powers.
The Tlatoani of Atitlan is head of state. The monarch appoints a Representative of the Government to oversee and supervise the local government, although without any political power in their own right. Executive power is de jure vested in Mava Council, although it is de facto exercised by an Executive Board of six members, led by the council's leader.


The head of government is the Leader of the Mava Council. The leader is a member of the Mava Council elected by a majority of councillors to head the cabinet. Generally, the council elects as leader the councillor who received the most votes in the preceding election, although this is not a formal requirement. The Mava Council Cabinet is the executive branch of government, consisting of the leader and other councillors nominated by the leader and approved by the Council.
The Executive Board is appointed as a whole by the wider Council and deals with the day-to-day running of the government. The Leader of the Council is not as powerful as state governors. This is partly because governors are popularly elected and are confirmed to be head of government in their respective state constitution. The Executive Board (including the council leader) is responsible to the wider council and generally work collegially and collectively. It's members are officially "Officers of the Council" and derive their powers from the council rather than from law.


Proposals to have a directly-elected leader were proposed in 2008, although they were never implemented.
=== Current Executive Board ===
 
The current Executive Board was appointed by the Council on 24 March 2023. It's members are:
===Current government===
{| class="wikitable"
Following the resignation of Paqtuq Maagamarak as leader of the council, the Administrator appointed Kausaanek Malaati as leader following his election by the council. The current members of his cabinet are:
|+
 
!Name
'''Leader of the Council'''
!Portfolio
* Kausaanek Malaati
!Since
'''Portfolio Leads'''
* Anaayak Nelagak (Finance and Growth)
* Nua Kiuiaakii (Health, Social Services and Community Safety)
* Kipvituk Aanaqavik (Roads, Transport, and Communities)
* Alaqajaq Suujuat (Education and Work)
'''Also attending Cabinet'''
* Tilurut Qurlivitaneq (Advocate General)
 
===Advocate General===
The Advocate General for Mava is appointed by the Administrator to serve as the principal legal adviser to the government. Initially a non-political figure, since 1998 they have always been a member of the council. They sit as a non-voting member of the Council and serve as de facto justice minister in the Mava government. The Advocate General's powers and responsibilities include advising the government on the law handling criminal matters, drafting laws, and revising and publishing any laws pertaining to the islands.
 
The Advocate General is also serves as the government's appointed lawyer in cases brought before the Supreme Court.
 
==Legislative branch==
The Mava Council (''Maava Taapiit'') is the legislative branch, consisting of 10 seats. All members (''Maakaatlaani''; Councillors) are elected in one at-large constituency via the block vote method. Five members are elected every four years, with electors voting for up to five candidates. The five candidates with the most votes are elected. In addition to the 10 elected members are a number of unofficial attendants appointed by the Administrator. These include the Auditor and the Commander of Atitlanese Forces in Mava. The Administrator may also sit as an unofficial attendant. Unelected members are not counted amongst the members of the council, and they may not speak or vote.
 
The Council passes three types of laws: Acts of the Council (primary legislation), Orders (secondary legislation), and Ordinances (regulations for government bodies). All three require the approval of the Council and assent by the Administrator, although it may only approve or reject orders and ordinances, without the ability to amend.
 
There are no political parties on the island and all councillors sit as independents. Mava operates on the basis of a consensus government, with decision making reached on the basis of reaching a broad consensus.
 
====Current membership====
Following the 2022 council elections, the current councillors are:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
! Name !! Since !! Notes
|Kausaanek Malaati
|Leader of the Council
|2023
|-
|-
| Kausaanek Malaati || 9 May 1997 || Leader of the Council (2023-present)
|''Vacant''
|Deputy Leader of the Council<br>Economy and Finance
|2024
|-
|-
| Anaayak Nelagak || 9 May 2005 || Portfolio Lead for Finance and Growth (2021-present)
|Akteenalak Tiivuq
|Communities
|2022
|-
|-
| Nua Kiuiaakii || 7 May 2018 || Portfolio Lead for Health, Social Services and Community Safety (2023-present)
|Bruno Acin
|Public Services
|2020
|-
|-
| Kipvituk Aanaqavik || 8 May 2006 || Portfolio Lead for Roads, Transport, and Communities (2020-present)
|Iilirluk Attanuk
|Health
|2022
|-
|-
| Alaqajaq Suujuat || 9 May 2005 || Portfolio Lead for Education and Work (2021-present)
|Asier Briones
|-
|Commerce
| Tilurut Qurlivitaneq || 9 May 2005 || Advocate General (2023-present)
|2023
|-
| Mauka Urraakitilaq || 7 May 2018 ||
|-
| Arjuuk Anaanik || 9 May 2016 ||
|-
| Taarjut Niunak || 7 May 2012 || Chairman of the Council (2021-present)
|-
| Qinijak Turuk || 9 May 2022 ||
|}
|}
There are three ex officio members of the Executive Board. The Clerk is the most senior civil servant and is responsible for the administration of the council's non-political functions. The Legal Secretary is responsible for legal matters, overseeing the judiciary, and providing administrative support for lawyers and other legal officers. They advise the Council on law, the drafting of legislation, and revising and publishing laws applied in the island, working alongside the clerk. The Medical Officer for Health advises the Council on matters of public health importance, and is generally an Atitlanese physician.


==Judicial branch==
Ex officio members may not be elected councillors. Kipvituk Aanaqavik has served as Clerk since 2010, Maria Del Mar Villegas has served as Legal Secretary since 2021, and Daniel Abarquero has served as Medical Officer for Health since 2019.
{| class=wikitable
 
!Office
== Legislative Branch ==
!Name
[[Mava Council]] (''Taapiit Maava'') has 16 members, all elected for a three year term by popular vote in a single at-large constituency. Prior to 2020, there were also four ex officio members: the Legal Secretary, the Medical Officer for Health, and the Representative of the Government. However, now these individuals have a right of attend but are not recognised as members, ex officio or otherwise.
!Party
!Since
|-
|Chief Justice of the Court of Justice
|Puunanak Qaat
|None
|18 May 2018
|-
|Chief Judge of the Court of Arbitration
|Kualaatit Puagaatok
|None
|21 October 2017
|}
Mava does not have a single legal system due to its confederal nature. There are currently four distinct systems of law: North Mava law, South Mava law, Tokuksiagak law, and Taak law. Each law operates in similar ways, but there are slight differences in their operations and are subject to regulation by the respective parliaments.


At a confederal level, the Court of Appeal and the Court of Arbitration constitute the judicial "Organs of the Confederation." The Court of Appeal is responsible for hearing cases relating to the constitution and its application across the confederation. The Court of Arbitration has a similar role, hearing disputes between jurisdictions and between jurisdictions and the confederal government. The main difference between the two courts is that the Court of Appeal advises on the interpretation of constitutional law for an individual or individuals where there may be doubt, whereas the Court of Arbitration judges in disputes over the application of confederal law.
The Council does not have right of initiative for primary legislation. Laws passed by the council are formally secondary legislation, enacted by right of the Organic Act. This legislation (formally titled an "Ordinance under Section 31 of the Mava Organic Act 1961") may be struck down by the federal government or, in limited circumstances, a state government.


All legal systems follow common-law principles, with sitting justices applying their knowledge of legal precedent and their knowledge of the law and of the case before them. Law across all four jurisdictions is therefore considered to be "organic" in as much as its application responds to individual cases and the judgements of judges. In each jurisdiction the courts are headed by a Court of Appeal, which constitutes the supreme court of the jurisdiction. In matters relating solely to the jurisdiction, these courts are the last court of appeal. Below the Court of Appeal are the "senior trial courts." In North Mava, this consists of a High Court and a Criminal Court, trying civil and criminal cases respectively. In the other jurisdictions, a single High Court tries both civil and criminal cases. All decisions made by a court is binding on lower courts within the hierarchy.
The Council's administration is overseen by the Clerk to the Council, an office which combines the roles of chief executive and treasurer. Acting as Proper Officer of the Council, the clerk enacts the Council's decisions, signing formal proclamations of laws and other legislation it has passed and giving notice of their entry into force. As Responsible Financial Officer of the Council, the clerk also oversees financial monitoring and reporting.


Each jurisdiction has its own justice ministry and corresponding minister. At a confederal level, the Department of Justice is responsible for ensuring the equal application of law and the protection of legal rights across all jurisdictions.
Mava does not have any active political parties, operating as a non-partisan democracy. There have been a small number of political parties operating on the island, but they never achieved electoral success.


==Administrative divisions==
In the most recent general election, the sixteen elected members are:
Mava comprises four states that are officially called "sovereign jurisdictions" (Mavean: ''uukutaapakuumatplag''). Each are considered sovereign subject to the conditions of the Mavean constitution. Because there are some differences in their size and population, as well as where these populations are centred, there is no uniform way in which these jurisdictions are further subdivided.


For matters relating to the confederation (e.g., elections to the Assembly of the Islands), the name "district" is used to refer to all first-level subdivisions.
# '''Kausaanek Malaati*''' (370 votes)
# '''Nukavik Piitaaq*''' (329 votes)
# [[Akteenalak Tiivuq|'''Akteenalak Tiivuq''']] (261 votes)
# '''Mauka Urraakitilaq*''' (137 votes)
# '''Tilurut Qurlivitaneq*''' (103 votes)
# '''Anaayak Nelagak*''' (93 votes)
# '''Asier Briones''' (92 votes)
# [[Kana Tukeelat|'''Kana Tukeelat''']]* (86 votes)
# '''Talkupiq Kaquk*''' (69 votes)
# '''Sinagaktok Quinapuq*''' (63 votes)
# '''Qinijak Turuk*''' (59 votes)
# '''Iilirluk Attanuk*''' (58 votes)
# '''Nuluktuk Aanuluk''' (57 votes)
# '''Taarjut Niunak''' (54 votes)
# '''Sara Escrivá*''' (48 votes)
# '''Talkupiq Kaquk''' (47 votes)


{| class="wikitable"
==Judicial branch==
|-
The territory is part of the jurisdiction of the High Court of Atlalilico (''Tribunal Superior de Atlalilico'', TSA). Due to the islands' location, local magistrates are appointed to hear most cases. The Magistrates' Court in Paas is not an independent court, however, but part of the TSA's magistracy. More serious cases are heard, either, by a judge present in the islands, or in Atlalilico itself.
! Jurisdiction !! First-level subdivision !! Second-level subdivision !! Further subdivisions
 
|-
A chief magistrate is appointed to oversee the administration of the local magistracy. Although some have referred to the position as Mava's "chief justice", their role is purely administrative and does not entail any additional power. The current chief magistrate is Alujut Saujak.
| North Mava || Districts (''Uukkuukaq'') || Areas (''Iqut'') || Urban areas (''Iqutaliqakak'')
|-
| South Mava || Districts (''Uukkuukaq'') || Sub-districts (''Uukkuukaqimakigup'') || Towns (''Alatakitat'')
|-
| Tokuksiagak || Lands (''Tokuk'') || Towns (''Alatakitat'')
|-
| Taak || Government area (''Kiiqkausaaktaagikiqut'')
|-
|}


==Political and civic pressure groups==
There have been several unsuccessful attempts to hold trials via video link, avoiding the need for travel between Mava and mainland Atitlan. However, due to unstable internet connectivity, this has been abandoned.
# Mavean General Workers' Union
==Administrative divisions==
# General Assembly of Mavean Employers
Mava has only two administrative divisions, which are largely ceremonial and have no local government function. These are Itiqip, which covers the main populated settlements, and M'takp, which covers the rest of the islands.
# Assembly of Churches of God
# Union of Fishermen


==International organization participation==
Prior to the establishment of Mava Council in 1929, the Paas Development Council acted as local government for Paas. The council's powers were transferred to the larger Mava Council on its creation, but was not abolished in its entirety until 1969. There is a council committee responsible for the management of Mava's islands and unpopulated areas, which acts as a de facto local authority.
UN


==See also==
==See also==
* Politics of Mava
* [[Mava]]
* Culture of Mava
* [[Mava Council]]
* [[List of leaders of Mava]]


==Notes==
==Notes==

Latest revision as of 12:20, 17 May 2024

Mava
Emblem of Mava.png
This article is part of a series on the
politics and government of
Mava
  • Monarch
    • Macuilxochitzin
  • Representative
    • Jose Miguel Artigas
  • Leader of the Council
  • Chief Magistrate
    • Alujut Saujak
  • Recent elections
    • Legislative: 2000
    • 2004
    • 2008

    • 2012
    • 2016
    • 2019
    • 2023
    • Next
    • Referendums: 1996

The politics of Mava takes place in a framework of limited self-government as a dependent territory of Atitlan, whereby the Monarch of Atitlan is constitutional head of state and the Leader of Mava Council is head of government.

Under the islands' Organic Act, enacted in 1961, executive and legislative power is vested in the 16-member Mava Council, which delegates its executive functions to a smaller cabinet called the Executive Board (Mavean: Taapiitmatiikiuta; Almagrian: Comité Ejecutivo). The judiciary is independent of the executive and legislative branches. Military defence is the responsibility of Atitlan; the islands are largely demilitarised, with the Kingdom of Atitlan Air Force operating only a scientific base.

Executive branch

Main office-holders
Office Name Party Since
Monarch Macuilxochitzin 1 March 2019
Representative of the Government Jose Miguel Artigas 29 June 2022
Leader of the Council Kausaanek Malaati 22 March 2023

The Tlatoani of Atitlan is head of state. The monarch appoints a Representative of the Government to oversee and supervise the local government, although without any political power in their own right. Executive power is de jure vested in Mava Council, although it is de facto exercised by an Executive Board of six members, led by the council's leader.

The Executive Board is appointed as a whole by the wider Council and deals with the day-to-day running of the government. The Leader of the Council is not as powerful as state governors. This is partly because governors are popularly elected and are confirmed to be head of government in their respective state constitution. The Executive Board (including the council leader) is responsible to the wider council and generally work collegially and collectively. It's members are officially "Officers of the Council" and derive their powers from the council rather than from law.

Current Executive Board

The current Executive Board was appointed by the Council on 24 March 2023. It's members are:

Name Portfolio Since
Kausaanek Malaati Leader of the Council 2023
Vacant Deputy Leader of the Council
Economy and Finance 		2024
Akteenalak Tiivuq Communities 2022
Bruno Acin Public Services 2020
Iilirluk Attanuk Health 2022
Asier Briones Commerce 2023

There are three ex officio members of the Executive Board. The Clerk is the most senior civil servant and is responsible for the administration of the council's non-political functions. The Legal Secretary is responsible for legal matters, overseeing the judiciary, and providing administrative support for lawyers and other legal officers. They advise the Council on law, the drafting of legislation, and revising and publishing laws applied in the island, working alongside the clerk. The Medical Officer for Health advises the Council on matters of public health importance, and is generally an Atitlanese physician.

Ex officio members may not be elected councillors. Kipvituk Aanaqavik has served as Clerk since 2010, Maria Del Mar Villegas has served as Legal Secretary since 2021, and Daniel Abarquero has served as Medical Officer for Health since 2019.

Legislative Branch

Mava Council (Taapiit Maava) has 16 members, all elected for a three year term by popular vote in a single at-large constituency. Prior to 2020, there were also four ex officio members: the Legal Secretary, the Medical Officer for Health, and the Representative of the Government. However, now these individuals have a right of attend but are not recognised as members, ex officio or otherwise.

The Council does not have right of initiative for primary legislation. Laws passed by the council are formally secondary legislation, enacted by right of the Organic Act. This legislation (formally titled an "Ordinance under Section 31 of the Mava Organic Act 1961") may be struck down by the federal government or, in limited circumstances, a state government.

The Council's administration is overseen by the Clerk to the Council, an office which combines the roles of chief executive and treasurer. Acting as Proper Officer of the Council, the clerk enacts the Council's decisions, signing formal proclamations of laws and other legislation it has passed and giving notice of their entry into force. As Responsible Financial Officer of the Council, the clerk also oversees financial monitoring and reporting.

Mava does not have any active political parties, operating as a non-partisan democracy. There have been a small number of political parties operating on the island, but they never achieved electoral success.

In the most recent general election, the sixteen elected members are:

  1. Kausaanek Malaati* (370 votes)
  2. Nukavik Piitaaq* (329 votes)
  3. Akteenalak Tiivuq (261 votes)
  4. Mauka Urraakitilaq* (137 votes)
  5. Tilurut Qurlivitaneq* (103 votes)
  6. Anaayak Nelagak* (93 votes)
  7. Asier Briones (92 votes)
  8. Kana Tukeelat* (86 votes)
  9. Talkupiq Kaquk* (69 votes)
  10. Sinagaktok Quinapuq* (63 votes)
  11. Qinijak Turuk* (59 votes)
  12. Iilirluk Attanuk* (58 votes)
  13. Nuluktuk Aanuluk (57 votes)
  14. Taarjut Niunak (54 votes)
  15. Sara Escrivá* (48 votes)
  16. Talkupiq Kaquk (47 votes)

Judicial branch

The territory is part of the jurisdiction of the High Court of Atlalilico (Tribunal Superior de Atlalilico, TSA). Due to the islands' location, local magistrates are appointed to hear most cases. The Magistrates' Court in Paas is not an independent court, however, but part of the TSA's magistracy. More serious cases are heard, either, by a judge present in the islands, or in Atlalilico itself.

A chief magistrate is appointed to oversee the administration of the local magistracy. Although some have referred to the position as Mava's "chief justice", their role is purely administrative and does not entail any additional power. The current chief magistrate is Alujut Saujak.

There have been several unsuccessful attempts to hold trials via video link, avoiding the need for travel between Mava and mainland Atitlan. However, due to unstable internet connectivity, this has been abandoned.

Administrative divisions

Mava has only two administrative divisions, which are largely ceremonial and have no local government function. These are Itiqip, which covers the main populated settlements, and M'takp, which covers the rest of the islands.

Prior to the establishment of Mava Council in 1929, the Paas Development Council acted as local government for Paas. The council's powers were transferred to the larger Mava Council on its creation, but was not abolished in its entirety until 1969. There is a council committee responsible for the management of Mava's islands and unpopulated areas, which acts as a de facto local authority.

See also

Notes

External links

  • Mava. The Global Factbook. United Nations
Retrieved from "https://iiwiki.us/mediawiki/index.php?title=Politics_of_Mava&oldid=802704"