President considers introducing 10% quotas for women and youth in Parliament

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu says he is considering introducing a 10 percent quota for women, and another 10 percent for young people in the Parliament.

President Muizzzu had announced plans to introduce quotas during a press briefing last week, but did not provide any details.

In an appearance on SanguTV’s ‘Espresso with Raees’ show on Saturday evening, President Muizzu said he was considering 10 percent quotas each for women and youth.

But he said the decision would be finalized following consultation with youth, the larger general public, and legal experts.

“I am considering 10 percent. 10 percent for the youth. And also, for women,” he said.

President Muizzu said that young people make for 39 percent of the voting population of the Maldives, while women make for 49 percent.

He believes it fair to introduce quotas for both women and youth.

President Muizzu said that he received messages expressing both support and opposition to introducing quotas in the Parliament, after he made the announcement during the March 23 press briefing.

President Muizzu said that while he personally believes it important to introduce quotas for women and youth, he does not wish to make such a change without public consultation.

He also highlighted on his administration’s plans to cap the number of Parliament seats at the current 93.

He said that introducing the cap, along with the quotas, would mean the Parliament would have at least nine female lawmakers and nine youths.

In June 2024, Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau, a senior parliamentarian from the People’s National Congress (PNC), submitted a resolution seeking the opinion of the Parliament on introducing a cap. But the resolution remains at the Independent Institutions Committee.

Article 71 of the Constitutions states two parliamentary representatives must be elected for the first 5,000 residents registered for each administrative division or two members for administrative divisions with less than 5,000 residents; and one additional member for every additional 5,000 resident.