MDP says direct action planned over 'dismantling' constitution

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairman, Fayyaz Ismail, on Wednesday announced that the government has violated the constitution and dismantled the three-branch system of government.

Following Wednesday's parliamentary passage of a bill that will allow the removal of two Supreme Court judges and amending the law to reduce the Supreme Court bench from seven to five judges, the MDP has decided to launch a series of activities in protest. Shortly after the decision, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) suspended three Supreme Court judges:

Criticising the parliamentary decision, Fayyaz wrote in a post on X: "Even when this government came to power, we knew they had a history of dictatorial rule, depriving the people of their power."

He stated that the MDP had worked within the framework of the constitution to monitor and hold the government accountable. However, he claimed that the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) has now violated the constitution and dismantled the three-branch system of government.

"There are difficult, dark days ahead," Fayyaz warned.

He further stated that the Maldives is currently under an illegitimate state, arguing that President Mohamed Muizzu’s government is operating outside the legal framework. According to him, the government has undermined the fundamental systems that ensure power remains with the people.

Fayyaz reiterated that the MDP will follow the resolution passed by its National Assembly on December 10.

"We will continue to protest and raise our voices against this attempt to hijack the system of government. The MDP will conduct a series of activities in the coming days to restore power to the people," he said.

He also invited political parties, civil society organisations, and individuals who support democracy to participate in these activities.

"With God’s help, we will find light through these dark days," he concluded.

Fayyaz ended his post by quoting Article 4 of Chapter I of the constitution: "All powers of the Maldives State originate with the people. And these powers will continue with the people."

The resolution referred to by Fayyaz was passed in response to a constitutional amendment that mandates the removal of a member of parliament if they leave their party or sign up for another party.

The resolution outlined the following actions:

The JSC issued a statement on Wednesday announcing the indefinite suspension of three Supreme Court judges following information from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) that a criminal investigation is being conducted against them.

Under Article 25 of the JSC Act, the commission must decide on a judge’s suspension within 48 hours of learning that an investigative agency has launched an inquiry against them.

While the ACC confirmed the investigation, it did not disclose specific details regarding the case. 

However, lawyers who filed a constitutional case in court today argued that the suspension of the three Supreme Court judges violated other legal provisions related to the JSC Act.