Constitution bill requires parliament approval for foreign troops

An amendment to the constitution, which only allows foreign troops to be stationed in the country with parliamentary approval, is set to be debated in parliament on Wednesday.

The proposed bill, which outlines strict conditions for such arrangements, has sparked discussion about the nation's sovereignty and its defence policies.

The bill includes two primary stipulations:

With 93 members currently seated in parliament, at least 47 votes would be required to pass the amendment.

President Mohamed Muizzu, who has consistently advocated for a policy of non-alignment, has stated his opposition to allowing foreign troops to stay in the Maldives. This stance reflects his administration's broader commitment to maintaining the country’s sovereignty and ensuring that national defence is managed without undue external influence.

The debate comes after the withdrawal of Indian military personnel who had been stationed in the Maldives during the previous administration. In their place, civilian employees from the manufacturer have been brought in to operate military vehicles that were donated to the Maldives.

This decision has raised questions about the balance between accepting foreign aid and maintaining national control over military resources.

If passed, the amendment would establish a legal framework for foreign military presence in the Maldives, subject to parliamentary oversight. Proponents argue that this measure provides transparency and ensures that decisions about foreign troop presence are made democratically.

Critics, however, express concern that even with parliamentary approval, the amendment could pave the way for potential erosion of sovereignty. They argue that the Maldives must tread carefully to avoid becoming entangled in geopolitical rivalries in the Indian Ocean region.

The Maldives occupies a critical position in the Indian Ocean, making it a key player in regional security dynamics. While the nation has historically maintained a policy of neutrality, its strategic location has attracted interest from global powers, including India and China.