The unelected, post-1999 chief executive holds broad powers with few checks on his authority, a situation that is similar to the case under Portuguese rule. Portugal never developed the legislature into an effective body. Only one-third of the seats are directly elected, although the Basic Law provides for the number of directly elected seats to increase gradually in future elections. After 2009, the legislature will be able to change its composition under a two-thirds voting rule, subject to the chief executive s approval. Political parties are legal, but no true parties exist.
Corruption is rife in the police force and civil service.
The judiciary is independent. The Basic Law guarantees continuity in the legal system, which is based on Portuguese metropolitan law. However, the United States Department of State noted in its human rights report for 1998 that delays in translating laws and judgments and a severe shortage of local bilingual lawyers and magistrates could present problems for the continuation of the current system. The Basic Law stipulates that the post-1999 chief executive appoint judges on the recommendation of an independent commission composed of local judges, lawyers and eminent persons. The government owns controlling interests in the television and radio stations, which present diverse viewpoints.