The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) national council has vowed to help re-elect lawmakers who lose their seats for speaking for the people's rights or for joining MDP amid the recent constitutional amendment.

The resolution, which was proposed by Kolamaafushi Constituency President Mahfooz Saeed, was passed unanimously at the MDP national council meeting held at the Carnival area in Male' on Tuesday night.

“If the dismissed MP contests the by-election to elect a member of Parliament from the constituency he represented, this party agrees to support him and work with him on behalf of the Maldivian Democratic Party to re-elect him to Parliament,” Mahfooz said.

The resolution stated that the constitutional amendment deprive the people of their power and the free will of MPs to act in the interest of the people and is contrary to the basic structure of the Constitution.

It also noted that the amendment to the Constitution violates Article 75 of the Constitution and deprives the people of their powers under Article 4 of the Constitution.

The resolution called on the Parliament and the government to retract the constitutional amendment.

MDP national council further agreed to carry out protests across the country to change the constitutional amendment and to raise awareness among the people about the consequences of the amendment.

The party decided to invite all registered political parties, civil society organizations and professionals to participate in the activities of the MDP to expand the protests and campaigns all across the country.