Constitutional amendment crucial for stability, president says

President Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday emphasised the significance of Wednesday’s constitutional amendments passed by the parliament, describing them as crucial for both the nation and its people.

In a video message, he stated that these amendments would strengthen the country's independence and sovereignty whilst creating a framework for national stability.

The president explained a key change regarding territorial modifications. Previously, such changes required a two-thirds majority approval from the p parliament.

The new amendment strengthens this requirement to a three-quarters majority. Additionally, the country's maritime territory can now be defined up to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and any changes to these territorial boundaries will require both a three-quarters majority in the parliament and approval through a public referendum.

A significant addition to the constitution now requires parliamentary approval before any foreign military personnel can be deployed within Maldivian territory.

Regarding public referendums, the president highlighted another important change. While the parliament could previously amend referendum-related articles, the new amendment mandates that any changes to matters involving public referendums must first be approved through a public referendum itself.

The president emphasised two other crucial amendments: the inclusion of the 'Anti-Defection' law into the constitution to improve political stability, and the addition of presidential responsibilities for developing short, medium and long-term national development plans.

President Muizzu described these as critical decisions made with patriotic fervour and national spirit, serving to protect Maldivian citizens' rights while safeguarding the country's independence, sovereignty, development and stability.

He concluded the message by expressing his gratitude to the members of parliament for their role in passing these significant reforms.