Constitution amended: Foreign military presence to require Parliamentary approval

Parliament approved a constitutional amendment yesterday, requiring all foreign military presence in the country, other than trainings, to require Parliament approval.

The amendment was proposed to the Parliament by Hulhudhoo MP Mohamed Shahid, on behalf of the government. He also proposed to amend part (c) of the Article 251 as well.

As per the existing clause, no part of Maldivian territory can be given to any foreign party for military purposes unless approved by a Parliamentary majority. However the new amendment details that no foreign party would be allowed to use Maldivian territories for military purposes under agreement or otherwise unless approved by a majority of the Parliament.

It also says that foreign troops would not be allowed to operate in any capacity in Maldivian territories for military purposes unless approved by a majority of the total number of members of parliament, except to participate in agreed military exercises.

This was passed with a 78 member vote majority, while 13 members voted against the bill.

This is in line with the current administration's pledge to remove Indian military presence from the country, review Maldives' defence agreements with the country, and eliminate any such agreements which may be detrimental to Maldivian policies.