An amendment to the Constitution has been proposed to reserve 33 percent of Parliament seats for women.
The amendment to the Constitution was moved by Rozaina Adam, MP for Addu Meedhoo. The first reading of the amendment was heard in today's session.
According to the bill, the primary purpose of the bill is to ensure women's share in the Parliament and increase their role in protecting the interests of the people and the national interest. Additionally, the amendment seeks to integrate women's perspectives into crucial policymaking deliberations and increase opportunities for women in politics.
The proposal seeks to include additional classes after Article 71(b) of the Constitution. Under the proposed amendment, 33 percent of the number of members of parliament would be allocated to women, with constituencies determined through a rotational draw mechanism to ensure equitable representation across regions. The details of this policy must be determined by law.
Upon the enactment of the amendment, the first parliamentary election conducted under the Parliamentary Election Act must be conducted as per the revised article.
The 19th Parliament has four female MPs, while the recently elected 20th Parliament comprises only three women.
