President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has tonight ratified the amendment passed by the People's Majlis today to the Constitution, requiring parliamentary approval for stationing foreign troops in the Maldives and for changes to the Maldivian territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.

A bill was submitted to today's session of the People's Majlis on behalf of the government by MP Mohamed Shahid of Hulhudhoo constituency to make changes to the Constitution. The bill was accepted and studied by the Committee of the Whole House. The report sent to the floor with amendments made by the committee was voted on in this evening's Majlis session.

In the vote, 78 of the participating members supported the amendment. 13 members voted against the bill. This includes 12 members of the MDP and MP Abdulrahman of Addu Meedhoo constituency.

With the President's ratification and publication of the bill in the gazette, foreign troops can only be stationed and operate in the Maldives for military purposes with the approval of a majority in the Majlis. However, foreign troops can engage in non-military activities and training exercises conducted under agreements.

The amendments passed by the People's Majlis today and ratified by the President also include giving the President the power to formulate national development plans and visions for the short, medium, and long term, and requiring a three-fourths majority approval from the People's Majlis before making any changes to the Maldivian territory."