A referendum should be held if the public wants to change govt system: Mabrook

Spokesperson of the President’s Office, Mohamed Mabrook Azeez stated President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's still believes that the governing system must be changed through a referendum vote.

Mabrook made the comment during a press conference held at the President's Office on Monday, as the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has started a petition seeking to change to a parliamentary system.

He stressed that the president will not interfere with the wishes of the majority.

Highlighting the fact that the current system is of the majority’s choosing, Mabrook said that necessary steps will be taken once the petition currently being signed is presented to the President’s Office. However, the president’s stance and the fact that he is prioritizing fulfilling his pledges is very clearly to be seen, added Mabrook

As a petition is being signed to bring a change to the governing system, it is to be noted that some members of the parliament have also signed the petition, along with members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). Those who are leading the petition informed that their aim is to obtain 100,000 signatures.

While the former president has expressed interest in working with the opposition including jailed former President Abdulla Yameen, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has rejected the offer saying Yameen does not support the change of system. Nasheed recently expressed difficulties in continuing support for the Solih administration, claiming that the government had withdrawn support for its own bill following objection from religious conservative coalition partners.

He also agrees that a referendum is needed to change government system.

A constitutional referendum was held in the Maldives on 18 August 2007; while official results showed the presidential system winning over 60 percent support, the opposition MDP had claimed that the vote was rigged.