Constitutional amendments are being introduced to facilitate the government's pursuit of an additional term: Faisal Naseem
Faisal has asserted that the proposed constitutional amendments to consolidate elections are a strategic move by the government to maintain power rather than a genuine effort to reduce costs. He argued that true public benefit would be better served by reducing the number of parliamentary seats and imposing term limits on members. Furthermore, he cautioned that altering the electoral cycles represents a significant regression for Maldivian democracy.
Former Vice President Faisal Naseem. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has stated that the various constitutional amendments being introduced are driven more by the government's focus on securing an additional term rather than a genuine concern for the public or a desire to reduce expenditures.
Speaking on Raajje TV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Vice President Faisal stated that with a supermajority in Parliament, any amendment the government desires can be enacted into law. The Vice President noted that regardless of how Members of Parliament draft a bill, it becomes law once ratified by the President. However, he emphasized that any law being ratified must be fundamentally acceptable.Faisal stated that merging two or three elections, abolishing term limits, or extending terms of office are not actions taken by those acting in good faith. He emphasized that the Constitution establishes the separation of powers and clearly defines specific timeframes and term limits.
If we are to introduce changes, let us start by reducing the number of seats in the People’s Majlis. What can 100 members achieve that 50 members cannot? Furthermore, we should consider a system where an incumbent is barred from seeking a second consecutive term. Such a move would be highly beneficial for both the nation and its citizens. As it stands, human nature dictates that those in power will do whatever it takes to defend their positions. We are currently witnessing this through the creation of unnecessary jobs, reckless spending, and the introduction of self-serving legislative amendments. I fail to see how any of this benefits the public; in fact, it is clearly not in the best interest of the people.Former Vice President Faisal Naseem
Faisal stated that if the welfare of the people were truly the priority, term limits could be established to prevent members from serving consecutive terms. He noted that by prioritizing the nation over the ambition of attaining power, it is possible to act in the best interests of the citizens and the country. However, he remarked that the current focus remains solely on securing additional terms, suggesting that the government is failing to consider the needs of the people.
Faisal stated that if parliamentary elections are to be held, they should be scheduled further apart from the presidential election. He noted that there is currently only a six-month gap between the two, suggesting that a longer interval would be more appropriate. Furthermore, Faisal emphasized that the focus should not be on what benefits the incumbent administration or the candidates contesting for parliament. Instead, he asserted that the primary consideration must be what serves the best interests of the citizens.
A Member of Parliament remains a citizen at heart. No one serves as a Member of Parliament or as President indefinitely. We believe that this move is intended to allow the government to overreach its authority to achieve its own objectives. We are seeing this happen even now. Therefore, this is not about cost-cutting. It is better to engage with the public frequently to seek their input during elections. To understand the will of the people, frequent elections are necessary; holding them regularly is the right approach. Presidential terms vary across the world, typically lasting around four or five years. Similarly, parliamentary terms are structured this way, with different countries assigning different durations. In this context, the best approach is to return to the people. This ensures that citizens are granted the opportunity to decide on a course of action that aligns with their preferences.Former Vice President Faisal Naseem
Faisal stated that under the current circumstances, citizens are being deprived of the opportunity to make their own decisions as they desire. He emphasized that this is unacceptable and that the country has reached a stage where such irrational actions should no longer be tolerated.
Faisal stated that considering the constitutional reforms and the progress the Maldives has achieved over the past 17 to 18 years since 2008—including advancements in rights, freedoms, national development, improved living standards, and global integration—merging elections is not a step a civilized nation should take. He further characterized such a move as a regression into a bygone era.
