Parliament majority leader and Vilimale' MP Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik has proposed to amend the dual citizenship clause for presidential election regulations.
The Progressive Party of Maldives' (PPM) parliamentary group leader proposed the change on behalf of the current government.
The proposed amendment was brought to article 7 of presidential election regulation which cites the candidates contesting for presidency must meet the criterion mandated under article 109 of Maldives Constitution.
The article in question states the presidency of Maldives was exclusive for individuals with Maldives citizenship. However the article does not include contesting criterion for dual-citizenship or foreign citizenship bearers.
The amendment cites that individuals can contest for Maldives presidency after 10 years of relinquishing dual or foreign citizenship in favor of a Maldives exclusive citizenship.
State and ruling party claims the amendments were necessary to restrain foreign intervention in the country's presidential election and its national concerns.
