Photo Credits: Peoples Majilis

An evening session has been scheduled today to pass the bill proposing amendments to the Constitution, which includes a provision for members of parliament to lose their seats if they change their political party after being elected.

The bill was debated in the parliament this morning. Following the debate, a vote was taken on whether to accept the bill in the parliament. 69 members voted in favor, while 12 members voted against it.

Subsequently, the bill was sent to the Committee of the Whole House for further study, and committee meetings have already begun.

According to today’s evening agenda, the committee’s report on the bill is to be presented. There is also a voting session scheduled for matters that have reached the conclusion stage from the day’s work.

Today’s evening session is scheduled for 5:30 PM.

The bill proposes four main amendments to the Constitution. One amendment requires a two-thirds majority approval from the Parliament before making any changes to the Maldivian territory.

The most significant amendment in the bill introduces two new conditions under which parliamentary members can lose their seats. These conditions are: if an elected member switches to another political party during the term of the parliament, or if an independent member signs with a political party.

The bill also proposes to grant additional powers to the President. This includes giving the President the authority to determine major state policies, provide directives to government institutions, and formulate national development plans and visions.

The proposed amendments also state that foreign military personnel can only be stationed for military purposes with the approval of a parliamentary majority. It also allows foreign military personnel to participate in non-military activities and training exercises under agreements.

The first law that resulted in the loss of parliamentary seats for members who change parties was enacted during the presidency of former President Abdulla Yameen. However, when MDP came to power, they repealed that law. Nevertheless, towards the end of the last term of the People’s Majlis, MDP reintroduced a similar law.