CHAPTER I STATE, SOVEREIGNTY AND CITIZENS Constitution 1. This is the “Constitution of the Republic of the Maldives”. Any reference to the “Constitution” herein is a reference to the Constitution of the Republic of the Maldives. Republic of the Maldives 2. The Maldives is a sovereign, independent, democratic Republic based on the principles of Islam, and is a unitary State, to be known as the Republic of the Maldives. Any reference to “the Maldives” is a reference to the Republic of the Maldives. Territory of the Maldives 3. The territory of the Maldives encompasses the land, air space, sea and seabed within the archipelagic baselines of the Maldives drawn in accordance with the law, and includes the territorial waters, the seabed and air space thereof beyond the said baselines. Any changes to the territory of the Maldives may only be made pursuant to a law enacted by at least a two-third majority of the total membership of the People’s Majlis. Powers of the citizens 4. All the powers of the State of the Maldives are derived from, and remain with, the citizens. Legislative power 5. All legislative power in the Maldives is vested in the People’s Majlis. Executive power 6. As provided for in this Constitution the executive power is vested in the President. Judicial power 7. The judicial power is vested in the courts of the Maldives. 1