The amendment, submitted by Holhudhoo MP Abdul Sattar Mohamed from the ruling PNC was passed in Parliament with 68 votes, exclusively from PNC members. However, Azan chose not to participate in the vote and left the Parliament floor during the sitting.
Hithadhoo Central MP Ahmed Azan Marzooq has said that his decision not to support the amendment to the Judicature Act, which reduces the number of Supreme Court judges from seven to five, was based on constitutional concerns rather than opposition to the government.
The amendment, submitted by Holhudhoo MP Abdul Sattar Mohamed from the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), was passed in Parliament with 68 votes, exclusively from PNC members. However, Azan chose not to participate in the vote and left the Parliament floor during the sitting.
In a statement issued today, Azan reiterated that he remains aligned with the government but emphasized that his priority is the nation’s best interests. He stated that he reached his decision after consulting elected officials, legal experts, former judges, long-serving judicial figures, and some ministers.
"This bill is unconstitutional, and supporting such a bill is contrary to Article 75 of the Constitution," Azan said.
He said that while Parliament has the authority to amend the Judicature Act, it is not legally appropriate to use legislative amendments as a means to remove sitting judges. Instead, he argued that any disciplinary concerns should be addressed through the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which has the power to investigate and recommend the removal of judges to the Parliament if necessary.
Azan said that it is problematic for Parliament to push through such an amendment while the Supreme Court is hearing a constitutional case.
He said the move as being against the principles of open and democratic societies, as well as international treaties to which the Maldives is a signatory.
Despite remaining a government-aligned MP, Azan said that he was removed from the PNC parliamentary group’s WhatsApp chat after abstaining from the vote. However, he affirmed his commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to him by the people, in line with the Constitution and democratic principles.
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