Constitutional amendments were crucial for people and nation: Pres.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has claimed that the amendments passed by the People's Majlis to the Constitution are crucial for the people and the nation.

He made these remarks in a video message delivered to the public on Wednesday.

Muizzu stated that these amendments will strengthen the protection of the country's independence and sovereignty, and pave the way for establishing stability in the country.

He also noted that previously, changes to the country's territory required a two-thirds majority in the People's Majlis. However, with the amendment passed on Wednesday, this has been further strengthened, requiring a three-fourths majority in the People's Majlis.

Highlighting that the country's maritime territory will be defined up to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Muizzu added that any changes to this defined area would also require a three-fourths majority vote in the People's Majlis, as well as a public referendum.

In addition to this, he highlighted that with the constitutional amendments passed by the People’s Majlis, it has been stipulated that if any foreign military personnel are to be actively involved in the Maldives, it must be approved and passed by the Majlis.

Highlighting that the article on public referendums was previously amendable by the People's Majlis, Muizzu stated that with this new amendment, any changes to matters requiring a public referendum would also need to be put to a vote to see if the public approves of such a change.

Further, Muizzu said that including an 'anti-defection' clause in the Constitution is also a very important decision made by the People's Majlis.

He also noted that among the amendments brought to the Constitution, the responsibility of creating short, medium, and long-term development plans for the Maldives has now been included in the president's duties.

Concluding his video message, the president stated that the amendments brought by the People's Majlis on Wednesday are very important decisions made with great enthusiasm in the national spirit for the rights of the Maldivian people, the country's independence, sovereignty, development, and stability.

Muizzu expressed his gratitude to the lawmakers for making such important decisions.

Although Muizzu has praised the constitutional amendments, several members of the public have criticized the government for expanding the president’s powers through the constitutional amendments.

While the amendment proposing that a member of the People's Majlis would lose their seat if they change parties was passed, several members of the public took to the streets on Wednesday, voicing their concerns in protest.