President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has condemned members of the ruling People’s National Congress (Congress Party) who abstained from voting on a bill proposing to reduce the number of Supreme Court judges to five.
In a message sent to the Congress Party members’ group, President Muizzu stated that no member should violate the party’s “three-line whip” directive.
“Violating the whip is not something anyone should do, under any circumstances,” the President said.
In a separate message to the same group, Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah announced that disciplinary action would be taken against members who violated the whip.
“We will take measures according to the regulations against those who deliberately violate the whip line,” said Falah, who also serves as the representative for Inguraidhoo constituency.
PNC Members Who Abstained from Voting
The following PNC members abstained from the vote:
- Ahmed Azaan Marzoog, MP for Hithadhoo Central Constituency
- Mohamed Ibrahim, MP for Machangolhi North Constituency
- Hassan Mufeez Abdulgadir, MP for Milandhoo Constituency
- Ahmed Naseer, MP for Ihavandhoo Constituency
- Yousuf Nasheed, MP for Gamu Constituency
- Mohamed Afoo Hamid, MP for Kendhikulhudhoo Constituency
- Hussein Hamid, MP for Kudhahuvadhu Constituency
- Ibrahim Hussein, MP for Fuvahmulah South Constituency
- Ashraf Rasheed, MP for Fares-Mathoda Constituency
- Saudullah Hilmy, MP for Thinadhoo North Constituency
While the PNC leadership has announced disciplinary measures against members who violated the whip line, there are significant implications for those who might face expulsion. Last year, the Constitution was amended with PNC members’ votes to stipulate that MPs would lose their seats if they were expelled from or left their party. A case challenging this amendment has been filed with the Supreme Court, which also requests that the amendment not apply to current members.
Former MP for Kendhoo constituency, Ali Hussein, who filed the case, has today requested the Supreme Court to issue a temporary order preventing any procedures to remove members under this amendment.
During today’s debate on the bill to reduce the number of judges on the bench from seven to five, only three PNC members spoke: Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim, Baarah constituency member Ibrahim Shujau, and Mahibadhoo constituency member Ahmed Thorig. All three expressed support for the bill.
At yesterday’s PNC Parliamentary Group meeting attended by approximately 40 members, a few expressed concerns about implementing such changes while an important case is ongoing. However, PNC Parliamentary Group leader Ibrahim Falah instructed members to support the bill, stating in a WhatsApp message last night that the party leadership had decided to back the legislation.
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