Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra), who chaired the original Constitution drafting committee, has criticized the government for introducing two uncontested amendments to the Constitution, stating that it is the Attorney General’s responsibility to prevent such actions.
The first amendment, passed on November 20 last year by the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) supermajority, mandates that parliamentarians lose their seats immediately upon leaving the party through which they were elected. The move drew public criticism, with many arguing that it “shackled” MPs and undermined representative democracy.
On November 16 this year, the government proposed a second amendment requiring a referendum among constituents to decide whether MPs expelled or resigned from their party should retain their seats. However, PNC MP Mohamed Mamdooh successfully moved to strike the referendum clause, and the bill passed without it.
On Tuesday, Parliament passed a third amendment to abolish atoll councils ahead of next year’s local council elections. The proposal, submitted by Baarah MP Ibrahim Sujau, received 75 votes in favor, including Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla. Critics argue the move dismantles key elements of the decentralization framework.
Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra). (Sun Photo)
Referring to these developments, Ibra said the government has now amended the Constitution twice without opposition or adequate scrutiny. He emphasized that constitutional changes must be evaluated for their broader impact and legal coherence. “That’s why the Attorney General is legally required to have done outstanding work in the field,” he said, referring to Attorney General Ahmed Usham.
Ibra’s remarks come amid legal challenges to the first amendment. A case was filed in the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the provision that strips MPs of their seats upon changing political affiliation. However, just as the court prepared to hear the case, three justices, Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, Mahaz Ali Zahir, and Husnu Su’ood, were suspended. Azmiralda and Mahaz were removed by parliamentary vote, raising concerns about judicial independence.