The constitutional amendments passed by the parliament are very important changes for both the nation and its people, to strengthen the independence and sovereignty of the country President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said.
The constitutional amendments passed by the parliament are crucial for strengthening the country’s independence and sovereignty while establishing a framework for national stability, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said.
In a video message published after ratifying the amendments, President Muizzu said that previously, such changes required a two-thirds majority approval from the parliament. The new amendment strengthens this requirement to a three quarters majority.
“Additionally, the country’s maritime territory can now be defined up to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). We have now defined the territory of Maldives including the EEZ,” he said.
Any changes to these territorial boundaries will require both a three-quarters majority in parliament and approval through a public referendum, President Muizzu added.
“So, this is a very important change for both the nation and its people, to strengthen the independence and sovereignty of the country,” he said.
Regarding the amendment concerning the presence of foreign troops in the Maldives, President Muizzu said that the previous clause stated that no part of Maldivian territory could be given to any foreign party for military purposes unless approved by a parliamentary majority.
The new amendment now stipulates that no foreign party will be allowed to use Maldivian territories for military purposes, either through an agreement or otherwise, unless approved by a parliamentary majority. It further specifies that foreign troops will not be allowed to operate in Maldivian territories for military purposes unless approved by a majority of parliament members, except to participate in agreed military exercises.
Regarding public referendums, the President highlighted that while the parliament could previously amend referendum related articles, the new amendment mandates that any changes to matters involving public referendums must first be approved through a public referendum itself.
One of the most significant amendments brought was the inclusion of the 'Anti-Defection' law, which mandates that MPs who change parties, leave, or are expelled from their parties during the same term will lose their parliamentary seats.
President Muizzu said it was a very important reform for the stability of the country.
A key promise in the President's agenda is the 20-year national development plan for the Maldives. This was also empowered by the Constitution yesterday with the addition of presidential responsibilities for developing short, medium, and long-term national development plans.
The President concluded by thanking the members of parliament for their commitment to passing these reforms, serving to protect Maldivian citizens' rights whilst safeguarding the country's independence, sovereignty, development and stability.
"So, I thank the honorable members of Parliament for their role in passing these significant reforms," he said.
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