President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated today that a certain percentage of seats in Parliament will be reserved for youth under the age of 30.
During the press conference that was held today at the President's Office, the President said that work to bring changes to various state matters will commence after the upcoming Local Council and Women's Development Committee Elections on 4th April, along with the referendum vote.
Changes to the state are dependent on the decision of the citizens during the referendum vote, said President Muizzu.
The referendum vote covers whether the term of Parliament members should be shortened and whether the Parliamentary Election and Presidential Election should be held on the same day.
The President stated that as the number of Parliament members have increased every five years, the government has held discussions regarding the total number of members in Parliament. President Muizzu also stated that the law is to be amended where the Presidential Election's voting process is to be changed to a single round, with the date of the President being sworn in to be changed from 17th November to 11th November as well, with these being just some of the amendments to the law.
Along with the aforementioned, research was done into reserving a certain percentage of Parliament seats for youth under 30 years of age and women, with discussions being held regarding the matter, said President Muizzu.
"One of the things to be done is to reserve a certain percentage of Parliament seats for youth under 30 years of age," stated the President.
"A certain percentage are to be women as well."
According to the government, the political unrest surrounding elections will die down with the combining of the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.
The referendum vote for the combining of both elections will be held on 4th April. Even though the government is in support of it, opposition MDP has expressed that they are against it. However, the Adhaalath Party, Jumhooree Party and Maldives Development Alliance are in favor of combining both elections.
