Constitutional amendment proposed to limit number of MPs, revise JSC composition

Jun 12, 2024, 11:22 AM
Parliament chamber. -- Photo: Majlis Secretariat

Parliament chamber. -- Photo: Majlis Secretariat

Constitutional amendments to be proposed during the first session of 20th People's Majlis include capping the number of MPs and changing the composition of Judicial Service Commission (JSC), the President's Office has said.

The government has informed Parliament that 37 bills will be submitted during the first session, including a bill to amend the Constitution.

When Adhadhu asked for details about the changes the government plans to bring to the Constitution, President's Office Chief Spokesperson Heena Waleed said the amendments include limiting the number of MPs and changing the JSC's composition.

"In addition to this, discussions are taking place with the relevant agencies about further amendments that need to be made to the Constitution," Heena said.

The government's decision to amend the Constitution to limit the number of MPs comes a few days after Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ahmed Nazim said that efforts by the 20th Majlis to reduce state expenditure will include reducing and capping the number of political staff, MPs and local council members.

Changing the composition of the JSC was a pledge made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during the parliamentary election campaign. The inclusion of politicians in the JSC should come to an end, the President said at the time.

President Muizzu previously said that a total of 200 bills will be submitted during the government’s five-year term.

“Including such bills and many other such things, the assistance of Majlis is needed to pass more than 200 amendments and bills in order to fulfil all these pledges in the whole manifesto,” he said at the time.

With complete support for the government from 79 MPs in Parliament, the government has enough of a majority to amend the Constitution as it sees fit.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

MDP activist Shamin released from police detention

MDP activist Mohamed Shamin was released from police custody after being detained for allegedly crossing barricades during a protest. The court ruled his actions did not constitute a major felony, noting a lack of evidence for property damage or injury. Shamin still faces charges for obstructing police and disobeying orders.

State will bear no costs on housing units by Abu Dhabi developer

The Maldives Finance Ministry confirmed that the state budget will incur no costs for 5,000 housing units being built by Abu Dhabi’s Eagle Hills. The $500 million project uses a contractor financing model without government guarantees. While the state is not liable, it remains unclear if public recipients will pay for the units upon completion.

Vice President meets UN Secretary-General

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef met UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss climate resilience and debt sustainability for the Maldives. The leaders emphasized the urgent need for global climate action and UN reform. They also addressed regional concerns, specifically focusing on the ongoing situation in Palestine.

PNC lawmakers' delegation departs for Pakistan

A 16-member delegation of PNC lawmakers, led by Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, has departed for an exposure visit to Pakistan. The group will visit the Pakistani Parliament and meet with counterparts following an official invitation. This trip precedes a potential, though unconfirmed, upcoming visit by President Mohamed Muizzu.

MDP opens party congress to the public

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has announced that its upcoming congress, starting October 1 at Male’ City Hall, will be open to the public. While nearly 1,000 official delegates are expected to attend, the party expressed disappointment over the government's refusal to provide a state venue or media coverage for the event.

"Airport was leased to GMR under a transparent bidding process"

Former President Mohamed Nasheed criticized the Maldivian government for awarding a Rasmalé development deal to a UAE firm without a transparent bidding process. He contrasted the secretive agreement with his administration's open tender for the national airport, emphasizing that state assets should only be leased through competitive systems.

What kind of agreement was signed with Eagle Hills

The Maldives government signed a preliminary agreement with UAE-based Eagle Hills to lease land in Rasmalé for 99 years. The multi-billion dollar project aims to develop a world-class marina and luxury residences. While the Maldives will receive 5,000 housing units, specific financial details and a definitive contract are yet to be finalized.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox