In the Maldives, the government led by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu passed the Sixth Constitutional Amendment, with the President ratifying it yesterday. Passed by the 20th Parliament during its 52nd sitting, the amendment introduces five significant changes to the constitutional framework. Civil society organisations, including Transparency Maldives, have strongly criticised the rushed passage and ratification of the amendment. In a statement, they condemned the lack of transparency and public engagement, asserting that the process undermined democratic principles. They also noted that members of parliament were not given adequate time for meaningful debate, and the public and civil society were excluded from contributing to the decision-making process. 

Members of the main opposition, the Maldivian Democratic Party, protested near the People’s Majlis on Wednesday under the banner “In Defence of the Constitution,” voicing their discontent with the process. In contrast, President Dr. Muizzu defended the amendments in a video address, describing them as crucial for national stability and sovereignty. 

The Sixth Amendment introduces stricter requirements for altering territorial boundaries, defines maritime territories up to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and mandates public referendums for any boundary changes. It also requires parliamentary approval for deploying foreign military personnel in Maldivian territory, incorporates an anti-defection law to curb political instability, and mandates national development plans.