Aslam: Against limiting the number of MPs at this time

Citing the present as not the best time to limit the number of MPs in the Parliament - Majority Leader of Parliament and North Hithadhoo MP Mohamed Aslam, on Monday, has stressed the need for such a change to be made with sufficient time. 

While there are 87 MPs at present, six new constituencies will be added to the parliament in next year's parliamentary election in light of the increased population. With that, the next parliament will have 93 MPs.

Aslam, at a press conference at the parliament today, revealed MDP has yet to take an official decision on limiting the number of MPs. However, he remarked that he personally does not support the decision.

“I believe there should be sufficient time for such things. Changing the number of people that can run for Parliament when we’re at the cusp of an election; such a thing should be decided after careful consideration,” he said.

“So I personally don't think we can limit it for the upcoming elections and change the Constitution. And I personally don't think that's the best way to do it.”

However, Aslam said he would follow the decision of MDP or its PG group, despite his personal opinion, should they make a decision about this issue.

Democrats have proposed a Constitutional amendment to reduce the number of members of Parliament to 76 and reserve eight of them for women.

Under the Constitution, every 5,000 people is a separate constituency. Subsequently, the number of members increases after each parliamentary term. The 17th session of Parliament had 77 MPs, while the 18th session had 85 MPs. There are 87 MPs in the ongoing 19th session of Parliament and Election Commission has said that there will be 93 MPs in the 20th session.