Pres ratifies anti-defection amendment

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday ratified the Six Amendment to the Maldives Constitution, which introduces anti-defection measures.

Passed by the 20th Parliament during its 52nd sitting on November 20, 2024, the amendment introduces five significant changes to the constitutional framework.

The bill was sponsored on behalf of the government by Hulhudhoo MP Mohamed Shahid.

The amendment adds subsection (e) to Article 73, specifying new conditions for the removal of parliament members.

According to these amendments, a member will lose their parliamentary seat if they defect from the political party under whose ticket they were elected, join a political party after being elected as an independent candidate, or voluntarily leave or are expelled from their political party while in office.

Changes were made Articles 3(a) and 3(b), establishing that any modification to the territory of the Maldives must be enacted through a law passed by at least three-fourths of all parliament members. The territory here includes the land, airspace, sea, seabed, and territorial waters as defined by law.

Additionally, amendments to Article 115(e) expand the president's powers, granting authority to determine key national policies, provide advice and guidance to state agencies, and formulate national development plans and strategic visions.

Meanwhile, Article 251(c) now regulates the use of Maldivian territory for military purposes by non-nationals, and such use is allowed only through agreements or arrangements approved by a parliamentary majority with the exception of military exercises conducted under contractual terms.

Earlier on Wednesday, the amendment bill was passed by the parliament's Whole House Committee with the approval of 75 members.

Any changes to the constitution can be made with the approval of three-fourths of the parliament majority; which currently is 70 members out of the total 93 members.

Later on Wednesday, the bill was called for a vote at the parliament sitting amid ongoing protests on it by opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) members, with a total of 78 votes.

Several MDP supporters had gathered outside the parliament to voice their concerns and protest on the bill as well.

The opposition claims these amendments were unconstitutional, especially the anti-defection clauses which defeated the purpose of the Maldives Constitution.

Commotion broke out amid the protests when some pro-government activists barged into the area.

Meanwhile, many have raised concerns over the abrupt decision by the current government to pass the amendment as well.

Following ratification, the amendment has come to immediate effect.