PNC committee issues statement against MP Azaan over bill rebuff
Following his actions, Azaan was expelled from the PNC parliamentary group’s WhatsApp group.
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The Hithadhoo Central Steering Committee of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) on Thursday issued a statement against Hithadhoo Central MP Ahmed Azaan for refusing to support a legislative amendment that removes two Supreme Court judges.
The Supreme Court passed a bill on Monday to reduce the number of judges from seven to five. The PNC parliamentary group had issued a three-line whip instructing its members to vote in favour of the bill. However, while Azaan attended the sessions on both days, he did not participate in the vote, stating that the bill was unconstitutional.
Following this, the Hithadhoo Central PNC steering committee held a meeting and released a statement against Azaan. Nine out of the 14 committee members signed the statement.
According to the statement:
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Azaan opposed the bill without consulting the constituents.
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The amendment requiring MPs to follow the party’s whip was passed with Azaan’s vote, yet he violated the whip himself.
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The committee expects Azaan to follow party policies and work in line with the interests of the people.
The statement also referred to the judiciary reforms initiated by President Mohammed Muizzu and Parliament as a national effort supported by PNC members of the Hithadhoo Central constituency.
Concerns over the bill were raised by some PNC members, including Azaan, after a full seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court began hearing a constitutional amendment that could lead to the removal of MPs who switch parties. Azaan was the only member among those with concerns who defied the whip and publicly opposed the bill.
Following his actions, Azaan was expelled from the PNC parliamentary group’s WhatsApp group. Parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Falah stated that further action would be taken against him.
