Amendment to MP seat loss to respect citizens wishes: Pres

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated last night that the reason the laws were amended so that MPs who are appointed by their representative political parties would lose their Parliament seat if they are to resign or are expelled from their political party, was so that the wishes of the citizens would be respected.

During last night's community meeting with Male' Henveiru residents at Kalaafaanu School, a citizen had alleged that the President has made and continues to make big decisions without the citizens' say regarding matters that directly affect them. 

"The Constitution was amended so that political parties will have the power to dismiss MPs who are elected without gathering our opinions and without conducting discussions with us. When His Excellency obtained the power to dismiss our constituency members of their MP status, there definitely was no process in gathering our opinions on the matter. Where is the citizens' power? Where are the opinions of the citizens?," they asked the President.

President Muizzu answered, stating that he had visited all inhabited islands in Maldives to directly meet with residents, listen to their opinions and hold discussions with them.

He also stated that his decisions are influenced by the opinions shared by citizens and in line with the discussions that were held.

While putting emphasis on the aforementioned, President Muizzu highlighted that "more than 90 percent of citizens will defend" the vape ban, the Generational Ban on Tobacco and the death sentence for drug traffickers.

"Representatives of the citizens are chosen in a specific manner. For example, a candidate from a particular party is voted for, or an independent candidate is voted for. As a change then brought is against the wishes of citizens, the amendment was brought about in order to respect the wishes of citizens," said President Muizzu while explaining the reason behind the amendment regarding MP's losing their seats.

As per the President, such changes are brought about for rules and regulations while being perfectly aware of the "thoughts and feelings" of citizens.

The amendment to the Constitution which would see MPs lose their seats if they resign or are expelled from the political party they represent, or transfer to another party was passed and ratified late last year.

According to the government proposed amendment, MPs who leave or are removed from the party they contested during parliamentary elections will lose their parliamentary seats if the switch occurs within the same term.

Additionally, the amendment stipulates that if an independent MP joins a political party, they will also lose their seat.