Supreme Court petition planned against MPs who joined PNC
The Supreme Court recently ruled that the constitutional changes did not violate the basic structure of the Constitution.
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Efforts are underway to file a case at the Supreme Court seeking a ruling that several parliamentary seats have been vacated after members elected as independents joined the People's National Congress (PNC).
Former MP Ali Hussain said on Wednesday that around six lawmakers currently serving in Parliament could lose their seats under the constitutional provisions governing party affiliation.
He confirmed that preparations are underway to submit the matter to the Supreme Court.
According to Ali Hussain, the lawmakers concerned were elected as independent candidates but later formally joined the PNC.
The members named are:
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Yasin Abdulla – Naifaru constituency
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Azim Abdul Azeez – Villingili constituency
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Mohamed Rasheed – Nolhivaram constituency
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Mohamed Shamin Habeeb – Kurendhoo constituency
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Mohamed Alsan Ahmed – Thinadhoo South constituency
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Anara Naeem – Huraa constituency
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Abdulla Riyaz – Thimarafushi constituency
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Ahmed Zameer – Machangolhi Central constituency
The current administration recently amended the Constitution to state that a lawmaker loses their parliamentary seat if they switch political parties or are expelled from their party.
In an earlier case filed by Ali Hussain challenging the amendments, the Supreme Court ruled that the constitutional changes did not violate the basic structure of the Constitution.
The court therefore decided there were no grounds to invalidate the amendments.
