MDP Lawmakers Displeased as Speaker Announces Parliament’s Seat Count

Several lawmakers belonging to the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) expressed discontent following Speaker Mohamed Aslam’s declaration of the total number of seats in Parliament as 87.

The issue stemmed from a Supreme Court ruling in February, which underscored that Parliament cannot overlook the seats of lawmakers who resign when tallying the total. In response, Aslam proposed repealing an amendment to the Parliament’s Standing Orders conflicting with the ruling.

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At the onset of today’s session, Aslam highlighted the Supreme Court’s finding, deeming the amendment unconstitutional and advocating for its repeal. He affirmed the total seat count as 87, stressing the necessity for a quorum of 22 lawmakers to convene sessions.

Acknowledging the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction, Aslam emphasised the Parliament’s obligation to deliberate before conducting any voting. However, Aslam’s remarks elicited dissent from some within his party.

Mohamed Rasheed Hussain (Bigey), MDP’s parliamentary group leader from Alifushi, voiced his discomfort with Aslam’s announcement, particularly with regards to treating an active provision as defunct.

Deputy Speaker Ahmed Saleem (Salle) also expressed reservations regarding Aslam’s approach, asserting that proposals made by Aslam should await the Parliament’s decision before implementation.

Salle advocated for time to allow parliamentary groups and lawmakers to deliberate internally before reaching a decision.

The situation arose following the resignation of seven lawmakers in November to assume roles in President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration. However, the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) opted against holding by-elections close to the parliamentary elections.

Seizing the opportunity, the MDP, with a majority in Parliament, amended the Standing Orders to exclude vacated seats when calculating the total. This amendment was contested by the government in the Supreme Court, which on February 29 deemed it unconstitutional.

Despite the court’s ruling, MDP maintains its stance of disregarding the vacated seats, advocating for a total count of 80 instead of 87.

Today’s session was adjourned for deliberation as lawmakers discussed Aslam’s proposal. Some lawmakers suggested during the debate that adherence to the Supreme Court ruling might not be necessary, arguing that Parliament holds the authority to enact laws, even if they conflict with judicial decisions.