Vilimale’ Constituency MP and Parliament Majority Leader Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik has stated that MPs from the opposition MDP will support the motion to change the age criteria for Presidents and Vice Presidents. Speaking on the issue to Public Service Media (PSM) Nihan stated that he had full guarantee that the motion to amend the age criteria of Presidents and Vice Presidents to the 30 – 65 year age gap will be positively received by some MDP MPs.
He added that he was sure that the motion would be passed with the vote of PPM, MDA and JP MPs in the Parliament. Nihan also added that it is estimated that the Committee report will be submitted to the Parliament floor for deliberation and vote.
As the motion is a change to the Constitution, such a vote will require the vote of three fourths of the Parliament, which amounts to 64 MPs.
MDA and PPM had already released a three line whip on the motion, which was proposed by MDA MP for Hoarafushi Constituency Mohamed Ismail. PPM President and former President Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom had voiced his displeasure on the motion, calling on all MPs of the PPM Parliamentary Group to vote against the motion. He penned a letter on the issue, stating that such a motion must first be deliberated in the Party’s Council.
PPM Parliamentary Group had responded to Maumoon’s statements, citing that a meeting can be held and that a vote can be held on the issue.
Opposition have argued that the purpose of this motion was to deposepresent Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed from his position.
They also claim that in place, Tourism Minister Ahmed Adeeb would be instated to the position. Many opposition figures and individuals have stated that changing a vital aspect of the Constitution with a specific target went against the spirit of the Constitution.
Some MDP MPs will support age criteria amendment: Nihan
