Parliament Approves Constitutional Amendment to Curtail MP Defections, Expand Presidential Powers

Parliament passed a controversial constitutional amendment on Wednesday, 20 November 2024, with 78 votes in favor and 13 against. The amendment, introduced by the Mohamed Muizzu administration, curtails MP defections, expands presidential powers, requires parliamentary approval for territorial changes and foreign troop deployment, and mandates referendums for certain constitutional changes. The expedited process drew criticism from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and analysts. The ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) defended the bill as a safeguard against political instability and business influence. Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla supported the amendment, citing accountability and governance. The amendment also requires a two-thirds majority for territorial changes and parliamentary approval for foreign military deployments.

Parliament passed a controversial constitutional amendment on Wednesday, 20 November 2024, with 78 votes in favor and 13 against. The amendment, introduced by the Mohamed Muizzu administration, curtails MP defections, expands presidential powers, requires parliamentary approval for territorial changes and foreign troop deployment, and mandates referendums for certain constitutional changes. The expedited process drew criticism from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and analysts. The ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) defended the bill as a safeguard against political instability and business influence. Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla supported the amendment, citing accountability and governance. The amendment also requires a two-thirds majority for territorial changes and parliamentary approval for foreign military deployments.

Parliament passed a controversial constitutional amendment on Wednesday, 20 November 2024, with 78 votes in favor and 13 against. The amendment, introduced by the Mohamed Muizzu administration, curtails MP defections, expands presidential powers, requires parliamentary approval for territorial changes and foreign troop deployment, and mandates referendums for certain constitutional changes. The expedited process drew criticism from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and analysts. The ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) defended the bill as a safeguard against political instability and business influence. Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla supported the amendment, citing accountability and governance. The amendment also requires a two-thirds majority for territorial changes and parliamentary approval for foreign military deployments.

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