Constitution amended: Referendum needed to amend clause on public opinion

The Parliament of Maldives today passed an amendment to the constitution which require public opinion for any changes to Article 262(b), which mandates public referendums for amendments to significant Articles in the Constitution.

Article 262(b) of the Constitution states that amendments to the Constitution passed by parliament come into force only with the written assent of the President. However, for the following provisions, the President must grant assent only after a public referendum approves the amendment by a majority of votes cast for the following provisions:

1. Any of the provisions contained in Chapter 2 The Maldivian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

2. Article 79 (a) Term of parliament

3. Article 107 Term of office and Article 108 Presidential election

On behalf of the government, Hulhudhoo MP Mohamed Shahid proposed adding a fourth clause to Article 262(b), stipulating that any amendments to Article 262(b) itself must also require public approval through a referendum.

The amendment was passed by 78 votes in favour.

This comes as President Dr Mohammed Muizzu has previously said he wants referendums to seek the consent of the public on some issues.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has expressed a desire to seek public consent on several issues, including canceling the second round of the presidential election, changing the presidential swearing-in date from November 17 to November 11, merging the presidential and parliamentary elections and reducing the number of councilors contesting in local council elections.

The ruling People's National Congress (PNC) parliamentary group currently holds a supermajority, enabling it to change the constitution.

Bill proposed to seek public referendum to amend Article 262(b) on public opinion

The Edition