In a significant move, the Maldives Parliament has passed an amendment to the Courts Act that will reduce the number of judges on the Supreme Court bench. The new amendment, which lowers the number of judges from seven to five, was approved with overwhelming support, receiving 68 votes in favor.
The roll call vote took place after technical issues with the parliamentary voting system. Despite the technical hurdle, the bill was swiftly passed, marking a pivotal change in the structure of the country’s judiciary.
The amendment was introduced by Holhudhoo MP Abdul Sattar Mohamed, a member of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), who submitted the bill on Sunday evening. Following the submission, the bill was presented, debated, and accepted by the Parliament on Tuesday. The Judiciary Committee, which reviewed the amendment, passed it without any alterations during a meeting held shortly after the vote.
The change in the Supreme Court’s structure is expected to reshape the country’s judicial landscape, with implications for the functioning of the highest court in the Maldives. With this vote, the Parliament has sent a strong signal regarding the direction of judicial reforms under the current administration.
As the amendment moves forward, its impact on the judiciary and the broader legal framework in the Maldives will be closely watched, with both supporters and opponents keenly anticipating its effects on the country’s judicial independence and governance.
