People's National Congress (PNC) Central Hithadhoo Constituency Steering Committee has issued a statement against MP Ahmed Azaan, criticizing his decision to defy the party’s whip line in parliament.
PNC’s Parliament Group had issued a three-line whip instructing members to vote in favor of an amendment to the Judicature Act, which sought to reduce the number of Supreme Court judges from seven to five. However, MP Azaan abstained from voting.
In its statement, Central Hithadhoo Steering Committee said that Azaan was elected under the PNC ticket due to the hard work of party members.
The committee further claimed that while Azaan justified his decision by stating he had consulted with his constituents, he failed to provide any proof of such consultations.
Signed by eight members of the steering committee, the statement accused Azaan of violating party discipline and urged him not to repeat such actions in the future.
MP Azaan defended his stance, stating that he found the proposed amendment unconstitutional but maintained his position as a pro-government MP.
Following his decision to abstain from voting, Azaan was reportedly removed from the PNC PG's WhatsApp group.