President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that he intends to propose a law amendment allowing no-confidence votes against Members of Parliament and councillors.
Speaking at the Espresso With the President event, the President said citizens would be able to submit petitions with a required number of signatures if representatives perform poorly or act outside legal provisions. The process would also require support from a certain percentage of MPs.
The President said the change would eliminate the need to conduct parliamentary elections mid-term, suggesting that presidential and parliamentary elections can be held on the same day. A no-confidence process can be sought if the members are no longer deemed fit to stay in the position, he said.
At a press conference held at the President’s Office last week, the President had said the government is preparing multiple amendments to laws, including the Constitution, linked to the upcoming referendum on electoral reforms. One aim is to address the issue of increasing numbers of MPs, while another proposed amendment would set the presidential term start date to November 11. The President also mentioned a move to a preferential voting system, aiming for one-round presidential elections. Studies on this voting system are currently ongoing. The President also plans to propose reserved parliamentary seats for youth and women.
The reform package includes strengthening independent institutions, and reforms to ensure judicial independence, such as changing the composition of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), improving resources, and enhancing the quality of judges.