Maldives Attorney General claims the island nation was not under a declaration of State of Emergency and there will be no restrictions on amending the country's Constitution.
Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath, has commented on the legal ramifications of amending the Constitution in light of doubts posed regarding the legitimacy of such a move through parliament.
The island nation is expecting the local council elections in April, which however is being called to postpone due to the viral pandemic COVID-19; reported present in the country as well.
Meanwhile, a bill was presented by the Attorney General's Office to Maldives Parliament advising a pushback on the council elections date to ensure public safety.
The bill further proposes extending the terms of councilors until the elections to choose new members can be scheduled.
However during Monday's parliamentary session, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed claimed amendments cannot be brought to the Constitution during a State of Emergency, as cited under the country's constitution itself.
Nasheed questioned the legitimacy of pushing for such an amendment during the current situation.
He argued further noting the country was exercising a State of Public Health Emergency, claiming amendments under such a situation may be legally possible.
In relation to the topic, Attorney General Mr Riffath noted the term for local councils have been fixed to last until 03 June, which can be extended only through amendments to the Maldives Constitution.
Riffath further argued the Maldives President did not declare a State of Emergency and thus amendments can be brought to the provisions of the constitution.
