Parliament has today rejected a proposal to give the people the right to recall their elected representatives in the People's Majlis.

The proposal was made by Galolhu Dhekunu MP Meekail Naseem from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Only 13 MPs voted in favour of the proposal. That is 12 lawmakers from MDP and independent MP Abdul Rahman of Addu Meedhoo constituency.

The proposal was rejected with the votes of 77 lawmakers from the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) which controls the Parliament supermajority.

The amendment proposed by Meekail stated that a referendum must be taken in the constituency if an MP is expelled from their political party.

It also stated that if a majority of voters in the constituency are against the MP's dismissal, they will remain in the seat for the rest of the term.

Ruling party MPs rejected Meekail's proposal and approved a constitutional amendment which allows political parties to control MPs.

The amendment will cause MPs to lose their seats if they switch political parties or are expelled from their parties without the need for a recall vote in constituencies.