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
Appointer	Hereditary, with provision for pre-selection by incumbent
Inaugural holder	Tuá Kálalek
Formation	1872

Má'ita (lit. 'He who Leads') is the title of the head of state of Freice. In the Common Language, the title is sometimes translated as "Leader" or "Ruler" and, more rarely, as "President" or "King". The Má'ita, an office which uniquely combines monarchical and republican characteristics, is an hereditary office and it's incumbent the nominal chief executive.

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 "Má'vine" ('She who Leads')

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 Má'vine.

Má'itas and Má'vines of Freice

1. Talá'akel Rá'omat (1980-2009)
2. Béreteti Talá'akel (2009-2023)
3. Kána Talá'akel (2023-present)

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

Notes

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