Legal counsel and former member of the People’s Majlis for Fonadhoo constituency, Moosa Siraj, has stated that any provision of the Constitution can be amended, provided that the required legal procedures are properly followed.

Siraj made the remarks in a post on X, responding to claims by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) that recent amendments proposed by the government go against the spirit of the Constitution. Rejecting these assertions, he emphasised that the Constitution is not an unchangeable document.

He noted that the framers of the Constitution did not intend for it to remain static indefinitely, highlighting that mechanisms for amendment were deliberately included to allow changes in line with evolving circumstances and societal needs. According to Siraj, the most important factor in introducing amendments is adherence to the prescribed legal procedures.

Drawing comparisons with other countries, he pointed out that some constitutions, such as that of Germany, contain provisions that cannot be amended even with overwhelming majorities. However, he stressed that no such unamendable clauses are specified in the Maldivian Constitution.

Siraj further underscored that the Constitution of the Maldives provides the opportunity to amend any article, once due process is followed. He added that a proposed amendment to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day does not alter the fundamental structure or core principles of the Constitution.

Addressing criticism from political actors, Siraj said that disagreement from a particular group or party does not automatically mean that an amendment contradicts the spirit of the Constitution.

He also highlighted the role of public opinion in such matters, noting that in a democratic system, decisions ultimately reflect the will of the majority. Even if some segments of society disagree, he said, outcomes determined through votes represent the collective decision of the people.

Concluding his remarks, Siraj stressed that in any democratic system, it is essential to recognise that the preference of the majority will prevail, even when it is not universally accepted.