The parliamentary independent bodies’ committee on Tuesday passed an amendment barring anyone living under political asylum in another country, from running in a Maldives' presidential election until 10 consecutive years have passed since giving up asylum.
The original amendment proposed by ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)'s parliamentary group leader Ahmed Nihan, sought to bar any candidates with dual citizenship from running in a presidential election until 10 years have passed after giving up the foreign citizenship.
However, the Committee on Independent Bodies added a clause to the amendment, stating that any Maldivian residing under political asylum in another country, could not run for presidency until a decade has passed after renouncing asylum.
The amended bill was passed by the committee with votes in favour from eight lawmakers of PPM and one member of ruling coalition partner, Maldives Development Alliance (MDA). The two lawmakers from main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on the committee, had voted against the bill.
The bill has now been sent to the parliament floor for debate. It can be passed with a majority vote from the lawmakers present at the sitting, which is yet to be scheduled.
While the Presidential Election slated for September looms closer, most of the opposition alliance leaders are currently living abroad under political asylum; most notably former President Mohamed Nasheed in the UK, and Jumhooree Party (JP)'s Qasim Ibrahim in Germany, former Vice President Mohamed Jameel, and JP's newly elected president Ali Waheed.
Pro-government lawmakers have also proposed amendments to the Elections General Act, which include an amendment to prohibit unnecessary scribbling or drawing on ballot papers, and a bill to ensure equal campaign broadcasts for all candidates running in the upcoming presidential elections. While the bills have also been forwarded to the committee for review, the parliament is yet to schedule a sitting to decide on these amendments.
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