MDP passes petition opposing constitutional amendment

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) National Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed a petition calling for the repeal of a recent constitutional amendment introduced by the government and passed in parliament.

The decision was made at a meeting held at the carnival area in Male, ahead of a rally which took place in the same area. The petition, submitted by Mariya Ahmed Didi, a former defence minister and president of MDP's Galolhu North constituency, was supported by all 89 members present.

In her submission, Mariya emphasised the constitutional right of the people to elect members of parliament and participate in state governance, as outlined in Article 4 of the constitution. She argued that all powers of the state originate from and remain vested in the people.

Mariya stated that the Maldives had agreed to a presidential system of governance, and the constitution was drafted accordingly. She expressed concern that the government had altered the system into a mixed governance model without consulting the public.

The petition highlighted several aspects of the constitutional amendment that were contested:

Mariya concluded that the constitutional amendment violates the basic structure of the constitution and disregards the principle of popular sovereignty. The petition calls on the president to repeal the amendment, ensuring that no actions are taken to diminish the powers granted to the people's representatives under Article 4 of the constitution.