Parliament accepts divorce wealth distribution bill

Parliament today accepted a bill outlining amendments to the currently law on distribution of wealth between spouses following a divorce.

The bill, presented by Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) member Galolhu-south MP Ahmed Mahloof, was accepted with 27 votes in favour out of 52 MPs present.

The bill seeks to further define the prerogatives allowed to judges in distribution of wealth in divorce, with stricter guidelines to determine the percentage of wealth owned by each partner, child support and debt.

MP Mahoof said the purpose of the bill is to protect and reduce the large percentage of women who suffer after divorce. He said a women does not have to leave her home empty handed, if the wealth is distributed evenly.

MP Mahloof further stated that the bill will greatly facilitate PPM to reach the objectives of protecting the rights of women outlined in the party’s manifesto.

MPs noted that the current law allows a great deal of discretion to the judges, which lop sides justices. However, they said the bill has contradictions with Islamic Sharia, which needs to be amended.