President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution of the Maldives. Passed by the 20th Parliament during its 52nd sitting on November 20, 2024, the amendment introduces five significant changes to the constitutional framework.
The amendment adds subsection (e) to Article 73, specifying new conditions for the removal of Members of Parliament. A member will lose their seat if they defect from the political party under whose ticket they were elected, join a political party after being elected as an independent candidate, or voluntarily leave or are expelled from their political party while in office.
Changes to Articles 3(a) and 3(b) establish that any modification to the territory of the Maldives must be enacted through a law passed by at least three-fourths of all members of Parliament. The territory includes the Maldives’ land, airspace, sea, seabed, and territorial waters as defined by law.
Amendments to Article 115(e) expand the President’s powers, granting authority to determine key national policies, provide advice and guidance to state agencies, and formulate national development plans and strategic visions.
Article 251(c) now regulates the use of Maldivian territory for military purposes by non-nationals. Such use is allowed only through agreements or arrangements approved by a parliamentary majority, except for military exercises conducted under contractual terms.
A new subsection has also been added to Article 262(b), requiring a public referendum to confirm popular support for laws altering the country’s territory or for constitutional amendments passed by Parliament.
The Sixth Amendment aims to strengthen political accountability, safeguard national sovereignty, and ensure public participation in critical national decisions.
The ratified amendments have been published in the Government Gazette and are now in effect.
