JP backs govt's constitutional, legal amendments
Gasim said he backs these measures to prevent political, social and economic instability in the Maldives.
Jumhooree Party (JP) has said it supports the government’s recent amendments to the Constitution and related laws, including changes that reduce the number of councillors.
Speaking at a rally in ADh. Maamigili on Friday to launch the JP’s local council election campaign, JP leader Gasim Ibrahim said the party backs the amendments introduced by the government to address governance issues.
Recent legal changes include amendments to the Decentralisation Act and the Constitution, which resulted in the abolition of atoll councils and a reduction in the number of councillors to be elected in the upcoming local council elections. The law has also been amended to allow elected representatives to lose their seats if they change party affiliation.
Gasim also expressed support for the media and broadcasting law passed by Parliament and ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu, despite objections raised by media organisations, journalists and international groups.
At the rally, Gasim said repeated amendments to the Decentralisation Act had become a continuing process, noting that around 15 amendments had already been proposed. He later said he supports further constitutional and legal changes introduced by the government.
Gasim said he backs these measures to prevent political, social and economic instability in the Maldives. Addressing President Muizzu, he urged adherence to the law and to Islamic principles, warning that failure to do so could result in loss of public trust.
He said further constitutional amendments are required and encouraged the President to proceed with such changes if they are intended to protect national interests.
Gasim also said the electoral process had become transactional. He announced that the JP has decided to support the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) in all constituencies except Maamigili in the upcoming council elections, citing support for the government’s legal reforms.
He questioned the value of voting for opposition candidates, saying that electing non-PNC councillors would not affect the presidency over the next three years. Gasim said councils would only be able to function effectively if they have the support of the central government and access to state funding.
