Parliament Debates Bill to Cut No. of MP’s, Boost Female Presence

A bill aimed at amending the constitution was tabled in Parliament on Monday, with the objective of reducing the total number of MPs while simultaneously increasing the representation of female MPs.

The bill, submitted by Central Henveiru MP Ali Azim, who leads The Democrats’ parliamentary group, underwent its first reading during Tuesday’s parliamentary session. It proposes alterations to the composition of Parliament to decrease the number of MPs.

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Included in the bill is a provision to add an extra section after Article 71 (c) of the constitution. This proposed addition outlines the allocation of MPs according to the population size of administrative constituencies as follows:

• One MP for administrative constituencies with a population of 6,000 to 12,000 people
• Two MPs for administrative constituencies with a population of 12,000 to 18,000 people
• Three MPs for administrative constituencies with a population of 18,000 to 24,000 people
• Four MPs for administrative constituencies with a population of 24,000 to 36,000 people
• Five MPs for administrative constituencies with a population exceeding 36,000 people
  

Additionally, the bill suggests inserting sections (d) and (e) into Article 72 of the constitution, which would:

• Allocate one of every 10 constituencies contested by political parties for women
• Require the same stipulation in the Political Parties Act to ensure implementation

The bill stipulates that MPs will be elected to Parliament in accordance with the proposed amendment during the second parliamentary assembly, following the current assembly, provided the bill is passed, ratified, and enacted.

Earlier this month, Addu Meedhoo MP Rozaina Adam proposed an amendment to the constitution that would reserve 33 percent of parliamentary seats for women. This initiative has garnered support from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which holds the majority in Parliament.

However, if a vote on these amendments divides The Democrats and MDP – two parties that have announced an alliance to collaborate in Parliament – it may not secure the requisite number of votes to pass a constitutional amendment.

As it stands, The Democrats command 13 MPs, while MDP holds 42 seats in Parliament.