Two MPs did not vote on SC Judges bench downsizing bill: Falah

Ruling party People's National Congress (PNC), which also holds the parliament's supermajority, clarified that it was two members that did not cast a vote to accept the Supreme Court bench downsizing bill to the parliament.

PNC's parliamentary group leader MP Ibrahim Falah said two members were absent from the parliament when the vote was called. According to local reports, PNC had issued a three line whip to accept the bill to reduce the number of Supreme Court judges from seven to five. After today's vote, it was speculated that 11 PNC members did not vote on the matter.

In a tweet, Falah explained that out of the 11 members, nine were on official travels, and that the party would look into why the other two MPs did not vote.

Three MPs are currently accompanying President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during his ongoing visit to the islands of Dhaalu atoll. They are Milandhoo MP Hassan Mufeed Abdul Qadir, Kudahuvadhoo MP Hussain Haamid and Fuvahmulah MP Ibrahim Hussain.

Mihaaru News reported that one of the members who did not participate in the vote despite being in Malé is central Hithadhoo MP Ahmed Azaan. He reportedly voiced concerns against the bill within the PNC PG group as well.

PG leader is said to have sent a message to the PG group's social media chat today that action would be taken against those who violated the party whip. However, he later told Mihaaru that action would be taken after considering the MPs' reasons.

According to Mihaaru, President Dr. Muizzu also said in the PNC's WhatsApp group that members should never violate a party whip.

While the constitution has been amended to result in MPs losing their elected seats if they are removed from the parties they were elected with, the amendment is being challenged at the Supreme Court, seeking to quash the decision all together. The petitioner, former MP Ali Hussian has also sought an interim order preventing any MP removal procedures from being implemented until the Supreme Court issues its verdict.