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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.
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.


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. 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.
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 (officially Mava Council Executive). 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.


==Offices==
== Executive branch ==
The Tlatoani of Atitlan is head of state, with all executive and legislative power exercised in her name by Mava Council. A semi-permanent resident Commissioner represents the interests of the Atitlanese government, although their role is closer to that of an ambassador and they have no direct political role.
{| class="wikitable"
 
|+Main office-holders
The Leader of Mava Council is the presiding officer of Mava's legislature and also chairs meetings of the council's cabinet, serving as de facto head of government. The Leader is a member of the council and is elected by a majority of councillors, generally as the councillor who won the most votes in the preceding election.
!Office
 
!Name
== Mava Council ==
!Party
[[Mava Council]] (''Maava Taapiit'') is the legislative branch, consisting of 16 seats. All members (''Maakaatlaani''; Councillors) are elected in one at-large constituency via the block vote method. Eight members are elected every four years, with electors voting for up to eight candidates. The eight candidates with the most votes are elected. In addition to the 16 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.
!Since
 
The Council passes two types of laws: ordinances (officially an Ordinance under Section 31 of the Mava Constitution Act 2009) and regulations. All require the approval of the Council and the assent of the Administrator in the name of the Governor. Ordinances are issued by right of the Mava Constitution Act rather than by authority of the Atitlanese federal constitution, and may be revoked by the federal government. This, however, has never been done.
 
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.
 
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.
 
====Current membership====
Following the 2022 council elections, the current councillors are:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name !! Since !! Notes
|-
| [[Kausaanek Malaati]]|| 9 May 1997 || Leader of the Council (2023-present)
|-
| Anaayak Nelagak || 9 May 2005 ||
|-
| Nukavik Piitaaq || 7 May 2018 || Deputy Leader of the Council (2023-present)<br>Portfolio lead for Economy and Finance (2023-present)
|-
| Sara Escrivá || 8 May 2006 ||
|-
| [[Kana Tukeelat]]|| 8 May 2014 ||
|-
| Tilurut Qurlivitaneq || 9 May 2005 ||
|-
| Mauka Urraakitilaq || 7 May 2018 ||
|-
| Asier Briones || 9 May 2005 || Portfolio lead for Commerce (2023-present)
|-
| Nuluktuk Aanuluk || 7 May 2018 ||
|-
| [[Akteenalak Tiivuq]]|| 9 May 2022 || Portfolio lead for Communities (2022-present)
|-
| Bruno Acin || 8 May 2014 || Portfolio lead for Public Services (2020-present)
|-
| Iilirluk Attanuk || 8 May 2014 || Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing (2022-present)
|-
| Sinagaktok Quinapuq || 7 May 2012 ||
|-
|-
| Talkupiq Kaquk || 9 May 2022 ||  
|Monarch
|Macuilxochitzin
|
|1 March 2019
|-
|-
| Taarjut Niunak || 7 May 2012 ||
|Representative of the Government
|Jose Miguel Artigas
|
|29 June 2022
|-
|-
| Qinijak Turuk || 9 May 2022 ||  
|[[List of leaders of Mava|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 of six members, led by the council's leader.


== Council Cabinet ==
The Executive 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 (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.
Mava Council Cabinet (officially the Cabinet Committee of Mava Council) is the main executive body of the Council and operates similar to a cabinet in other states. It is responsible for developing government policy in cooperation with the wider Council, examining and reporting on proposals presenting to the Council, and overseeing Mava's constitutional and external affairs.


The Leader of Mava Council chairs the council and thus serves as de facto head of government of Mava. However, unlike in other states, the Leader has no power over the appointment of cabinet members; the wider Council selects and appoints its members. The Leader can, however, recommend the dismissal of members, subject to approval by the Council.
=== Current Executive ===
 
The current Executive was appointed by the Council on 24 March 2023. It's members are:
=== Current cabinet ===
{| class="wikitable"
{| border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"
|+
|- bgcolor="CCCCCC"
!Name
! Name || Portfolio|| Since
!Portfolio
|-  
!Since
| Kausaanek Malaati
|-
| Leader of the Council
|Kausaanek Malaati
| 2023  
|Leader of the Council
|2023
|-
|-
| Nukavik Piitaaq
|Nukavik Piitaaq
| Deputy Leader of the Council<br>Economy and Finance
|Deputy Leader of the Council<br>Economy and Finance
| 2023
|2023
|-
|-
| Akteenalak Tiivuq
|Akteenalak Tiivuq
| Communities
|Communities
| 2022
|2022
|-
|-
|Bruno Acin
|Bruno Acin
Line 83: Line 55:
|2020
|2020
|-
|-
| Iilirluk Attanuk
|Iilirluk Attanuk
| Health and Wellbeing
|Health
| 2022
|2022
|-
|-
| Asier Briones
|Asier Briones
| Commerce
|Commerce
| 2023
|2023
|}
|}
There are three ex officio members of the Executive. 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====
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.
There are three ex officio members of the cabinet. 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, Talutuk Pukiiiq 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:
 
# '''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)


==Judicial branch==
==Judicial branch==
The judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the Island Court, and the Summary Court. The judiciary is independent of the executive and legislature, although it has links with the other branches through the Advocate General. The courts hierarchy is structured as follows:
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.
* Supreme Court: the highest court in the hierarchy, responsible for hearing appeals and ruling on disputes over the constitution. It may also hear any civil or criminal case of legal signifiance. It is an ad-hoc body with justices appointed when required. Only the Chief Justice is a permanent appointee.
 
* Court of Appeal: the first court of appeals. In the absence of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal is the highest court in the hierarchy. It is a semi-permanent body, with three justices appointed to serve on a permanent basis and further justices appointed to sit only for one or more trials.
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.
* Island Court: the main criminal court, responsible for holding trials for criminal violations. It also hears more serious civil cases.
* Summary Court: the lowest court, which hears minor infractions and less-serious civil cases. Most trials end only in fines or community service rather than imprisonment.
The courts system resembles the system in Atitlan, although there are strong local influences. The Supreme Court has unlimited jurisdiction to hear and determine any civil or criminal proceedings, although it has largely limited these to appeals and cases of "significance to the state" (e.g., treason or terrorism). The Chief Justice is the highest legal officer in Mava and is usually an advocate or retired judge. The Chief Justice is not resident but travels to Mava if and when necessary to hear cases.


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==
==Administrative divisions==
Mava has only two administrative divisions, which are largely ceremonial and have no local government function. These are Inner (Itiqip) and Outer (Mtakip). Inner consists of the town of Mava and its surrounding areas, which is the only major populated area. Outer covers the rest of the territory, including the remainder of Great Mava and the islands of Little Mava and Taak.
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.


==Political and civic pressure groups==
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.
# Mavean General Workers' Union
# General Assembly of Mavean Employers
# Assembly of Churches of God
# Union of Fishermen
# Mava Islands Commercial Enterprises Organisation


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 17:03, 3 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 (officially Mava Council Executive). 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 of six members, led by the council's leader.

The Executive 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 (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

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

Name Portfolio Since
Kausaanek Malaati Leader of the Council 2023
Nukavik Piitaaq Deputy Leader of the Council
Economy and Finance 		2023
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. 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
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