President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution of the Maldives, following its passage by the 20th Parliament during its 52nd sitting on November 20, 2024. The amendment introduces several key changes to the Constitution, including new rules for the removal of Members of Parliament (MPs).
One of the most significant provisions is the addition of subsection (e) to Article 73, which outlines the conditions under which an MP will lose their seat. The amendment specifies that an MP will be removed from office if they defect from the political party under whose ticket they were elected, join a political party after being elected as an independent candidate, or voluntarily leave or are expelled from their party while in office.
The amendment also makes important changes to Articles 3(a) and 3(b), requiring that any modification to the territory of the Maldives must be enacted through a law passed by at least three-fourths of all members of Parliament. This includes changes to the country’s land, airspace, sea, seabed, and territorial waters, as defined by law.
Further amendments to Article 115(e) grant the President additional powers, including the authority to determine key national policies, offer advice and guidance to state agencies, and formulate national development plans and strategic visions.
In addition, a change to Article 251(c) regulates the use of Maldivian territory for military purposes by non-nationals, stipulating that such use can only occur through agreements approved by a parliamentary majority, with exceptions for military exercises under contractual terms.
A new subsection added to Article 262(b) mandates a public referendum to confirm popular support for laws that alter the country’s territory or for constitutional amendments passed by Parliament.
The Sixth Amendment aims to enhance political accountability, protect national sovereignty, and ensure public involvement in important national decisions. The ratified changes have been published in the Government Gazette and are now in effect.
One of the most significant provisions is the addition of subsection (e) to Article 73, which outlines the conditions under which an MP will lose their seat. The amendment specifies that an MP will be removed from office if they defect from the political party under whose ticket they were elected, join a political party after being elected as an independent candidate, or voluntarily leave or are expelled from their party while in office.
The amendment also makes important changes to Articles 3(a) and 3(b), requiring that any modification to the territory of the Maldives must be enacted through a law passed by at least three-fourths of all members of Parliament. This includes changes to the country’s land, airspace, sea, seabed, and territorial waters, as defined by law.
Further amendments to Article 115(e) grant the President additional powers, including the authority to determine key national policies, offer advice and guidance to state agencies, and formulate national development plans and strategic visions.
In addition, a change to Article 251(c) regulates the use of Maldivian territory for military purposes by non-nationals, stipulating that such use can only occur through agreements approved by a parliamentary majority, with exceptions for military exercises under contractual terms.
A new subsection added to Article 262(b) mandates a public referendum to confirm popular support for laws that alter the country’s territory or for constitutional amendments passed by Parliament.
The Sixth Amendment aims to enhance political accountability, protect national sovereignty, and ensure public involvement in important national decisions. The ratified changes have been published in the Government Gazette and are now in effect.
