Jumhooree Party (JP) Leader and Maamigili Member of Parliament Qasim Ibrahim has said a proposal to cap the number of Members of Parliament was rejected despite his party being part of the governing coalition during the previous administration .

Speaking at a State media programme on proposed electoral reforms, Qasim said legislative changes should evolve with the times, adding that reform pledges are often sidelined once parties come to power. He cited the example of Judicial Service Commission (JSC) reforms, noting that commitments made during the previous administration were not implemented.

Qasim said he had proposed limiting the number of MPs to 87, while similar amendments were also submitted by former Kudahuvadhoo MP Ahmed Amir, but the proposals did not receive support in Parliament, including from the then MDP-majority legislature.

He added that increasing the number of MPs in proportion to constituency populations continues to raise concerns, noting that Parliament membership has risen from 77 members in 2009 to 93 at present, with each additional member costing the State approximately MVR 1 million annually in salaries and allowances.

Qasim said advancing such reforms would benefit the country, as discussions continue on constitutional amendments related to parliamentary representation and governance changes.