The Parliament today has approved wide-ranging amendments to the Former Presidents’ Protection and Benefit Act, reducing several state-funded privileges for former presidents while, for the first time, establishing a formal allowance for former vice presidents.
The government-sponsored bill, submitted by Hulhudhoo MP Mohamed Shahid, was passed with 68 votes in favour.
Under the amendments, former vice presidents who have completed a full five-year presidential term will be entitled to a monthly allowance of MVR 25,000, as well as health insurance coverage in the Maldives and overseas.
Only one vice president has so far completed a full term under the current constitution – former Vice President Faisal Naseem – making him the sole individual currently eligible for this new benefit.
The existing law grants former presidents who served a single term a monthly allowance of MVR 50,000, while those who served more than one term receive MVR 75,000. Their spouses are also eligible for state-funded security and health insurance. In addition, the state may provide up to MVR 50,000 per month to cover their living expenses.
A key change introduced in the bill would suspend these allowances if a former president, or former vice president, assumes another state position, including if they are re-elected as president. Payments would resume only after they leave public office.
The amendments also propose the repeal of Article 8 of the current Act, which obliges the state to provide up to MVR 175,000 per month to fund an office, staff and related facilities for former presidents to conduct social work. This office allowance would be discontinued.
Another provision specifies that former presidents residing abroad will not be provided state security during their stay overseas. Protective services would resume once they return to the Maldives.
Five former presidents currently receive benefits under the law: Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Mohamed Nasheed, Dr Mohamed Waheed, Abdulla Yameen and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
