PNC Members divided over requiring public vote before removing MP

Some members of the Progressive National Congress (PNC) have expressed opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment that would require a public referendum in the constituency before an MP can be removed from office for changing parties or being dismissed from their party.

The Constitution was previously amended late last year to mandate that an MP loses their seat if they change the political party they represent or are dismissed from that party.

However, PNC member for Baarah Constituency, Ibrahim Sujau, on behalf of the government, submitted an amendment to the Constitution, stating its purpose is to stipulate the procedures for the removal of a Member of Parliament.

The proposed amendment states that if an MP changes the political party they represent or is dismissed from that party, the member can only be removed from office if a referendum is held among the people of that constituency, and a majority votes in favor of removing the member.

After submitting the amendment, Sujau said today that this change is intended to empower the people and give them the opportunity to decide. He stated that making the people's voice the final say, even when a member is dismissed by their party, is the view of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Ibrahim Falah (PNC PG Leader / Inguraidhoo Constituency): Falah did not endorse the amendment. He argued that when a member of a political party separates from that party, they have already lost their seat, and if they wish to serve again, they should contest the election.

"If the party I was elected from is not satisfied with my service and decides to dismiss me on the grounds that I was disloyal to the party, I have no problem with that. I am confident in myself," Falah stated.

Mohamed Mamdhooh (Funadhoo Constituency): Mamdhooh also stated that the amendment would significantly increase the cost of holding elections. He estimated that MVR 200–300 million would need to be spent on holding these referendums over a five-year term. He stressed that when introducing a constitutional amendment, the costs must be carefully considered, as spending money on elections would hinder many essential projects. He concluded that, based on the potential expenditure, passing the amendment is not advisable.

Some members spoke in favor of the amendment. Ahmed Azan (Hithadhoo Central Constituency) said that MPs must be held accountable to the people, and the amendment would give the people the power to remove their representative. He highlighted this as a good step for the Maldives to set a democratic example for other nations.

In addition to the referendum on MPs, Sujau also proposed an amendment to abolish Atoll Councils.

All PNC members who debated this specific amendment supported it. They pointed out that Atoll Councils incur significant unnecessary expenses with poor results. These members stated that the goal is to abolish Atoll Councils and empower Island Councils.

MDP members who spoke regarding the constitutional amendment expressed that they do not support the abolition of Atoll Councils. However, some members acknowledged that the public referendum system for MPs is a sound idea.

A concern rose by both MDP members and the PNC's Mamdhooh was that the public referendum and the abolition of Atoll Councils are included in a single bill. This raised questions among members about how to vote if they support one provision but oppose the other.