President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated today that 2024 was a year of empowering citizens and maintaining the country’s sovereignty. In a post shared on Facebook, he said that this year was one in which citizens were empowered and the nation’s sovereignty was protected.
He noted that due to the changes brought to the constitution, a referendum can now be held on important matters, which he highlighted as giving power to the citizens. The People’s Majlis, with a supermajority of the ruling PNC, has passed five amendments to the constitution.
One of the strongest changes brought to the constitution is that any change to the Maldivian territory can only be made through a law passed by a three-fourths majority of the total members of the People’s Majlis. This amendment defines the Maldivian territory as the land, air, sea, and seabed within the Maldives’ archipelagic baselines, and the territorial waters, seabed, and associated airspace beyond these baselines.
With the constitutional amendments, the powers of the President have also been expanded. As such, the President now has the authority to determine the main policies of the state, provide direction to government institutions, and formulate national development plans and visions.
Additionally, under the amendment to Article 251 (c) of the constitution, permission for foreign parties to use any part of the Maldivian territory for military purposes, whether through an agreement or otherwise, can only be granted with the approval of a majority of the total members of the People’s Majlis. However, participation in military training conducted under agreements is exempt from this.
Furthermore, the constitution has been amended so that if an article requiring a public referendum is to be amended, public approval must be sought.
