President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has underlined the transformative impact of recent constitutional amendments, asserting that they enhance the rights and authority of Maldivian citizens.

Addressing residents of AA. Mathiveri, the President emphasised that these changes serve the public interest and should be viewed beyond political affiliations.

During his speech, President Dr Muizzu outlined the Constitution's role as a foundational document that defines the State's sovereignty, citizens' rights, and the framework for governance. He pointed to key amendments that prioritise public involvement, such as the requirement for three-fourths of Parliament and 143,332 citizens to approve decisions regarding special economic zones through a referendum.

The President also stressed the importance of new measures requiring parliamentary approval for any foreign military presence in the Maldives. He explained that the amendments prohibit foreign troop deployments for military purposes, except for approved joint exercises, ensuring greater parliamentary oversight and protecting national sovereignty.

Highlighting accountability in governance, President Dr Muizzu noted that changes to parliamentary candidacy rules protect the bond between elected representatives and their constituents. He explained that these amendments reinforce the trust placed in members of Parliament by their voters, ensuring they fulfil their commitments.

Further amendments addressed gaps in the President’s role, giving the head of State greater responsibility in shaping both short- and long-term national development plans. The President also emphasised that decisions on constitutional referendums, once controlled by a select few, now rest in the hands of the people.

The 6th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified on November 20, 2024, embodies these reforms. President Dr Muizzu reiterated his belief that these changes reflect a commitment to enhancing citizen participation in key national decisions and strengthening democratic governance.