No support of parliament MP limitation ahead of election: Aslam

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentary group leader and North-Hithadhoo MP Mohamed Aslam has said he does not support limiting parliament constituencies ahead of the elections scheduled for early 2024.

Elections Commission (EC) earlier announced the addition of six new constituencies due to an increase in the population. Following this change, the total seats in the parliament will increase from 87 to 93.

While speaking to the media, Aslam said that the increment in parliamentary seats was a concerning matter, but the party has not made a formal decision regarding this.

The MDP PG leader believes it was not ideal to make amendments to the Constitution to limit the constituencies while the parliamentary election has drawn near.

He argued such that matters required adequate time and discourse.

"I believe such things require adequate time. With an election drawing near, it is not advisable to make changes," Aslam added.

He however, said that if MDP decides for such an amendment he will comply.

Earlier in 2022, Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim submitted a constitutional amendment to limit parliament constituencies at 87.

MDP, which held the majority, countered the amendment, arguing that sufficient time for research was required. They dismissed the bill from parliament.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih made the pledge to fix the parliament constituencies in the recent presidential election.