Constitution may not be dissolved - Ibra

A constitution is not something that can be dissolved says MP for Male’ Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra).

Ibra made the statement to Miadhu when asked for his opinion the current political debate over whether the constitution is being revised or whether the Special Majlis is formulating a new constitution. According to Ibra, a constitution can never be dissolved unless the government is overthrown by a revolution and the constitution is discarded by the revolutionary forces. Ibra said in all other circumstances the constitution will only face revisions.

In this regard in 1932, under the rule of King Samshuhdheen, the first ever constitution introduced to the country was dissolved and since then the constitution has been dissolved Ibra said. Ibra also said he does not believe that there is any reason for the constitution to be dissolved.

“Regarding the debate whether the Special Majlis is formulating a new constitution or whether it is a constitution that is revised, I can only say a constitution is not something that can be dissolved, once you form a constitution and start acting on it, it cannot be dissolved except in circumstances where revolutionary governments discards the constitution, in all other circumstances constitution will only be revised” said Ibra.

Ibra further said the wording “ under this constitution” in the article that is now a point of heated debate does not indicate , following the completion of the revision work but that it only refers to the constitution itself.


“In the article in question, the wordings “under this constitution” do not mean “after the revision work of the constitution” but it only refers to the constitution itself” said Ibra. He further said that with the amendments brought to the constitution, President Gayoom who has been in power for the last 29 years cannot compete in the presidential elections and that with this change no person shall serve for more than two consecutive terms.

“President Gayoom cannot stand election now, it is clearly seen in the amendments to the constitution, amendment clearly say no person shall serve for more than 2 terms as president, it is not important to distinguish whether the constitution is new or is revised, what is important here is what we are trying to achieve, what we are trying to achieve is prevent any body from being in power for too long as it is acceptable to the people, that is the very reason why this article was formulated in the first place and that is what it means” said Ibrahim Ismail Chairmen of the Drafting Committee.