Amid mounting criticism of the government, discussions resurface regarding reform of JSC
Amid growing criticism over proposed constitutional amendments to synchronize presidential and parliamentary elections, the government has announced plans to restructure the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Attorney General Ahmed Usham stated that, in addition to consolidating elections, the government intends to amend the Constitution to reform the JSC and cap the number of parliamentary seats.
Attorney General Usham (L) and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu (R). | President's Office
Following widespread public criticism over government-proposed constitutional amendments to synchronize two separate elections, the administration has once again raised the issue of reforming the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
On October 10, the People’s Majlis, where the ruling PNC holds a supermajority, passed a constitutional amendment mandating that parliamentary elections be held concurrently with presidential elections, as stipulated under Article 110 of the Constitution.
To ratify this bill, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has issued a decree to conduct a public referendum. This move has drawn widespread criticism against the government.
Following this, the government has once again initiated discussions regarding the reform of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
In a post on X on Sunday, Attorney General Ahmed Usham stated that it is a widely accepted reality that the current Constitution contains several issues that require reform. He further noted that as part of the ongoing efforts to address these concerns, the government has decided to submit three constitutional amendments to Parliament.
The Attorney General stated that the proposed constitutional amendments aim to synchronize presidential and parliamentary elections, restructure the composition of the Judicial Service Commission, and address the continuous increase in the number of parliamentary seats.
Usham stated that the reason for pursuing constitutional amendments at this time to hold presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously is very clear.
Usham stated that this specific amendment is one that the Constitution expressly mandates must be put to a public referendum before it can take effect. He further clarified that other subsequent amendments required for the Constitution do not fall under the category of changes that constitutionally necessitate a public vote for implementation.
Usham stated that the government will soon submit further proposed constitutional amendments to the People's Majlis, noting that final consultations on these changes are currently underway.
The government has previously pledged on several occasions to amend the Constitution to restructure the composition of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). This renewed commitment to reform the JSC comes at a time of heightened public concern and widespread criticism, with many accusing the administration of pushing through sudden constitutional amendments whenever it sees fit.
