Nasheed Emphasises People’s Authority to Amend Constitution
Former President and former Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed stated that the power to amend the Constitution should rest directly with the people rather than Parliament.
His remarks come amid an ongoing Supreme Court case concerning the latest amendment to the Constitution.
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
Alhugandah lafaa kurevifa onnanee QA islaah kurumuge baaru othee Majlis ah kamah. QA ge nazarugai, QA badhalu kuraanama fenna nufenna vote eh nagaan jehey kamah. Adhi QA badhalu kurumuge baaru onnanee seedhaa rayyithunnah kamah.— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) February 19, 2025
In a post on ‘X’, yesterday, Nasheed highlighted that the Constitution explicitly requires a public vote for any amendments. He argued that this provision ensures the people have the ultimate authority in determining constitutional changes, which he believes aligns with the fundamental principles of the Constitution.
Nasheed also distinguished between the power to amend the Constitution and the role of Parliament. While the amendment process grants authority to the people, he stated that the responsibility for reform lies with Parliament.
The case before the Supreme Court was initiated by former Member of Parliament Ali Hussain, who sought clarification on whether the recent constitutional amendment applies to sitting MPs.
The Attorney General’s Office argued that courts should have no jurisdiction over constitutional amendments once the prescribed procedures have been followed. However, the Supreme Court ruled that the case would proceed, with all seven justices agreeing to hear the matter.
