The People’s National Congress (PNC) stated today that the Supreme Court’s ruling to uphold the constitutional amendment, which mandates that Members of Parliament lose their seats if they resign or are expelled from their party, confirms that the change was introduced with good intentions.

In a press release issued following the Supreme Court’s judgment today, the PNC stated that in light of the facts detailed in the court's ruling, it is certain that this amendment, proposed by the government and passed by the PNC-majority Majlis, was brought with the sincere intent of strengthening the Maldives' political system, safeguarding it from corruption and bribery, and enhancing the integrity of the Parliament.

The PNC statement further noted that the purpose of this change is to pave the way for overcoming the undesirable practices observed in the Maldivian political arena since the commencement of the multi-party democratic system.

The PNC said that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s vision is to rectify such flaws in the political system and organize the nation's affairs in a manner that facilitates stability and development. The party added that his focus is also on ensuring the fundamental rights and freedoms of all citizens. Furthermore, the PNC assured that it would continue to act in accordance with democratic principles for the benefit of the Maldivian people.

The constitutional amendment, which causes members to lose their seats if they leave or are expelled from the party they were elected under, was challenged in the Supreme Court by the former Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, Ali Hussain.

In the case, Ali Hussain requested the court to nullify the constitutional amendment. He further requested that, even if the amendment were found to be valid, the court rule that its principles should not apply to the members of the current sitting Parliament.

However, a majority of six judges of the Supreme Court ruled today that there are no grounds to nullify the amendment.