Parliamentarians support halting the regular increase in the number of parliament members every five years. This resolution, introduced by Parliamentarian for Baarashu constituency Ibrahim Shujau, aims to address concerns over the escalating size of the parliament with each new administration.
Shujau highlighted the public has expressed growing apprehension regarding this trend, especially in light of the increasing financial burden it places on the state. He pointed out that major democracies around the world maintain a consistent number of parliamentarians, suggesting that Maldives should adopt a similar approach.
Specifically, Shujau advocated for maintaining the number of parliament members at 77, which was set when the Constitution was adopted in 2008. He criticised constitutional provisions that automatically increase the number of members based on population growth, viewing them as contributors to unnecessary expansion.
Echoing these sentiments, Deputy Speaker of Parliament and parliamentarian for Dhiggaru constituency Ahmed Nazim proposed alternatives to curb this growth. He suggested implementing the cube root formula used by some international democracies, which would currently reduce the Maldivian parliament to 73 members based on current population figures. Nazim also proposed amending the Constitution to adjust the threshold for adding new members from every 5,000 to every 10,000 people, thereby limiting future expansions.
Parliamentarian for Inguraidhoo constituency and Parliamentary Group Leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC) Ibrahim Falah emphasised the importance of cost-effective governance. He criticised the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for failing to address this issue during their previous super majority in the 19th parliament, despite promises in their Agenda-19 campaign.
Parliamentarians from the MDP voiced agreement with the resolution, highlighting concerns over the strain increased numbers place on the state budget and administrative capabilities of the Parliament.
The parliament has witnessed a significant rise in membership over recent years: from 77 members in the 17th Parliament to 93 members in the current session.