NGOs voice concerns over rushed constitutional amendments

Civil Society Organizations have voiced concerns over the sudden changes brought to the Constitution yesterday.

A joint statement by eleven NGOs said that they believe the amendments proposed on Tuesday and passed yesterday was done in a way that contravenes the procedures and policies in lawmaking and were done through a lack of transparency and expedited without just cause.

The statement emphasized Article 4 of the Maldives Constitution which states 'All the powers of the State of the Maldives are derived from, and remain with, the citizens', and said that the amendments brought yesterday contradict this.

While the amendments were rushed through and passed in parliament in a single day, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu ratified them within hours.

The statement from the NGOs state that it is not acceptable that the changes had been given due time before implementation.

"While constitutional changes will affect the operations of the entire State, and impact many rights of the citizens, and is the basis of the running of the administration, we believe that members of parliament, civil society organizations and the general public must be provided the opportunity to review and hold a meaningful debate on the changes," the statement said.

The statement noted the amendment on MPs losing their seat upon leaving or being dismissed from a party as of being of highest concern. They maintain that this takes away from the democratic means of selecting a member, and obstructs the member's independence.

"If political parties are granted the power to dismiss members of parliament, then the members will be forced to align with party whips with no consideration for the interests of their constituency or their own principles. It further takes away member's option of voting against party whiplines without fear of losing their seats."

The statement called on the government and the parliament to ensure accountability, transparency, and citizens' involvement in their decisions.

Signees of the press release include Transparency Maldives, Save Maldives, ADM, Uthema, ERI, Zero Waste Maldives, Local Council Association, Hope for Women, Project Thimaaveshi, Belief Maldives and EcoCare Maldives.