Amendment seeks 35% youth representation in parliament

The opposition MDP has submitted a constitutional amendment seeking to ensure that youth make up 35 per cent of the members of Parliament.

The amendment was proposed by Meekail Ahmed Naseem, MP for Galholhu South. He stated that although youth account for a significant share of the population, their participation in policy formulation and national decision-making remains limited.

According to Meekail, the bill aims to widen opportunities for youth to take part in national affairs. He said the intention is to begin a process through which key responsibilities of the state may gradually be handed over to younger generations, who are familiar with developments in technology and global affairs.

The amendment proposes an addition to Article 72 of the Constitution, which outlines the election of members to Parliament. The proposal includes reserving 30 per cent of parliamentary seats for youth. Details on how these constituencies would be designated are to be set out in law. For the purposes of the amendment, youth are defined as those under 35 years of age. The amendment would take effect upon approval and ratification.

The current 20th Parliament has 93 members. Under the proposed quota, 31 seats would be reserved for youth based on the present number of constituencies.