Democrats' parliamentary policy: 76 seats cap; 8 for women
The changes provide for a recall vote to be taken when the people of the constituency deem it necessary to remove a member from the term.
The Democrats launched their 'Mulhi Raajjeyge Majlis' parliaments policy on Tuesday, proposing to cap the number of parliamentarians at 76 and reserving eight of them for women.
The Democrats held events across the country on Wednesday night to launch their decentralisation and parliamentary policies.
The party's sole candidate for the presidential primary, Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb led the launch of the policies at The Democrats party camp in Kulhudhuffushi.
The Democrats proposed major changes to the way parliament is constituted, after the Elections Commission announced last week it would have to add six seats to the parliament in the next term.
According to the Democrats' proposals:
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The number of MPs will be capped at 76 seats
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Instead of small constituencies, members will be elected from the entire atoll
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The total number of seats elected in the atolls and Male is 55
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A total of eight seats will be allocated for women in north, west, central and south Maldives
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Two seats will be allocated to represent persons with disabilities
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Under 'proportional representation', 11 seats will be allocated to parties in proportion to their votes
The policy also includes some changes related to the parliament.
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The changes provide for a recall vote to be taken when the people of the constituency deem it necessary to remove a member during the term
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Parliamentarians should be on time, and make punctuality accountable for members
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Determination of the level and requirements of a candidate for the post of Member of Parliament
In addition to the parliaments policy, the Democrats also launched their decentralisation policy on Tuesday. Under the policy, urban centres will be established in different parts of the country, congestion will be reduced in Male, island councils will be financially empowered and jurisdiction will be determined.
Events were held last week, around the country, to launch the party's business policy, alongside proposed solutions from The Democrats that purport to facilitate self-employment and making a living. The main event was the event hosted by party's founder Nasheed in B. Thulhaadhoo.
