Protests Erupt as Parliament Rushes Vote on Constitutional Amendment

On 20 November 2024, protests erupted in Malé as Parliament rushed a vote on a constitutional amendment to prevent MPs from switching parties. Ruling PNC supporters rallied in favour, while opposition MDP protesters called for withdrawal. Police cordoned off roads near Parliament. The amendment, introduced by the Muizzu government late Tuesday, would mandate seat forfeiture if an MP is removed from their party registry. The accelerated timeline drew criticism. Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla defended the amendment as a move to counter powerful business influences in politics. Critics view it as an attempt to secure the PNC's supermajority amid defection rumours and a High Court case on the Anti-Defection Act.

On 20 November 2024, protests erupted in Malé as Parliament rushed a vote on a constitutional amendment to prevent MPs from switching parties. Ruling PNC supporters rallied in favour, while opposition MDP protesters called for withdrawal. Police cordoned off roads near Parliament. The amendment, introduced by the Muizzu government late Tuesday, would mandate seat forfeiture if an MP is removed from their party registry. The accelerated timeline drew criticism. Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla defended the amendment as a move to counter powerful business influences in politics. Critics view it as an attempt to secure the PNC's supermajority amid defection rumours and a High Court case on the Anti-Defection Act.

On 20 November 2024, protests erupted in Malé as Parliament rushed a vote on a constitutional amendment to prevent MPs from switching parties. Ruling PNC supporters rallied in favour, while opposition MDP protesters called for withdrawal. Police cordoned off roads near Parliament. The amendment, introduced by the Muizzu government late Tuesday, would mandate seat forfeiture if an MP is removed from their party registry. The accelerated timeline drew criticism. Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla defended the amendment as a move to counter powerful business influences in politics. Critics view it as an attempt to secure the PNC's supermajority amid defection rumours and a High Court case on the Anti-Defection Act.

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