No matter the name given to a referendum, it is fundamentally rooted in deception, fraud, and dishonesty, says Abdulla Shahid
MDP President Abdulla Shahid has warned that the current administration is heading toward authoritarianism, suggesting they may even hold a referendum to extend the presidential term. Describing the proposal to align elections as a calculated move to diminish the power of the people, Shahid called on citizens to stand against such autocratic tendencies in the upcoming elections.
MDP President Abdulla Shahid delivers his address during the rally held to launch the party's local council election campaign. | video screen shot | Video Screenshot
Abdulla Shahid, President of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has asserted that any referendum conducted by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration through legislative amendments—regardless of its stated purpose—would be rooted in deception, fraud, and dishonesty.
Shahid made these remarks while speaking at the ceremony held to launch the Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) campaign for the upcoming Local Council and Women’s Development Committee elections.
Shahid stated that the current administration is heading towards authoritarianism. Referring to the decision by the PNC-majority Parliament to synchronize the parliamentary and presidential elections, Shahid described this as a "dangerous" proposition facing the public. He further alleged that the move to combine the two elections is a calculated tactic to first shorten the parliamentary term and subsequently strip citizens of their right to have a say in the democratic process.
Shahid stated that the government intends to hold a vote to extend the presidential term, similar to the process used for the vote on shortening the parliamentary term. He claimed that a vote would be conducted next year to extend the presidential term to 10 years, warning that if successful, a presidential election might never be held in the Maldives again. He described these developments as a significant threat to the country's democracy.
Shahid stated that the Maldivian people now face a critical choice. He noted that on April 4th, the fundamental question before the public is whether they will choose the path of development or one of destruction and ruin. He further emphasized that this is the day to decide between the path of decentralization and the devolution of power, or an authoritarian path where power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual.
Shahid further stated that the MDP stands committed to choosing the path of development, freedom, decentralization, and good governance. Noting that the foundation of a decentralized system begins with the willingness to relinquish centralized power, Shahid emphasized that the MDP will always work hand-in-hand with the people to achieve that goal. He called upon the public to rise against the current administration's efforts to centralize power and undermine the authority of the people. Shahid added that this can only be achieved by granting the MDP a majority in the upcoming local council elections.
