Jumhooree Party (JP) leader and MP for Maamigili, Qasim Ibrahim, has stated that forcing lawmakers to vote in a specific way through a whipline is unconstitutional.

Speaking at a press conference at the Parliament, Qasim argued that MPs have the right to debate and vote freely, as guaranteed by the Constitution.

"The imposition of a whipline does not comply with the Constitution. According to Article 75, MPs cannot be forced to vote in a particular way," he said.

He also clarified that JP has never forced its members to vote through whiplines and emphasised that MPs cannot be controlled in how they speak or vote.

Furthermore, he noted that the Constitution protects a member’s right to express views in Parliament, as long as their statements do not violate Islamic principles.

"Such statements cannot be taken to trial or investigated," he added.

His remarks highlight concerns over parliamentary independence and the role of party discipline in voting decisions.