Gapo urges PNC and MDP to negotiate and withdraw recent constitutional amendments

MDP Interim Chairperson and Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gapo) has urged the ruling PNC and the opposition MDP to hold discussions and withdraw recent constitutional amendments, including the provision that strips MPs of their seats if they switch parties.

Speaking during Monday’s parliamentary sitting, Abdul Ghafoor raised the issue while debating proposed changes to the Land Act. The amendment, submitted by North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), concerns inheritance‑related provisions linked to leased land and the transfer of associated rights. Without going into specifics, Abdul Ghafoor said the broader pattern of constitutional changes made under the current administration was worsening the situation in the country.

He said the Constitution should not be amended in ways that undermine stability, adding that the state must uphold equality, justice, and fairness to reduce public grievances. He also noted that constitutional changes have implications for state finances and corruption oversight.

“So I call on the two parties to talk and restore the amendments to the Constitution,” he said.

Abdul Ghafoor’s remarks come as the Supreme Court prepares to resume hearings on a petition challenging the constitutional amendment that allows MPs to lose their seats if they change parties or are expelled. The amendment was passed on November 20, 2024, with the PNC’s supermajority, and was ratified by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu the same day.

The Supreme Court last heard the case on February 17 last year, when it ruled the petition could proceed despite an objection from the Attorney General. A hearing was scheduled for February 26. However, the day before the hearing, the PNC‑controlled parliament passed a bill to reduce the number of Supreme Court judges, and the Judicial Service Commission suspended three justices shortly afterward. The hearing was cancelled and the case stalled for more than a year.

Hearings are now scheduled to resume on Tuesday morning.

In addition to the party‑switching amendment, Parliament also amended the Constitution late last year to abolish Atoll Councils. That amendment was ratified on December 1.

The government has faced repeated criticism for pushing through constitutional changes with limited debate and using its supermajority to fast‑track major revisions. Although the president has publicly stated he does not interfere with the judiciary, critics argue that the sequence of events surrounding the Supreme Court case raises concerns about influence.