Combining two elections is a deception; proposing changes to an ongoing term is a dangerous move: MP Shamheed
MP Shamheed expressed concerns over the proposed consolidation of the two elections, describing the move as highly deceptive and warning that the amendment would allow for the arbitrary alteration of active terms of office. Highlighting the gravity of the amendment, Shamheed cautioned that if terms can be modified in this manner, it could set a dangerous precedent where presidential elections are eventually replaced by simple referendums.
Member of Parliament for South Hulhumale' constituency, Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, speaks at a press conference held by the MDP. | RaajjeMV | RaajjeMV
Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumale' constituency, has warned that proposing a change to an ongoing constitutional term through a referendum to synchronize presidential and parliamentary elections poses a significant risk.
During a press conference held by the MDP on Sunday, MP Shamheed stated that the proposal to synchronize two elections is highly deceptive. He warned that this amendment would establish a precedent allowing the duration of an ongoing term to be altered. Highlighting this as a most dangerous amendment, MP Shamheed noted that if terms can be modified in this manner, it could lead to a situation where the presidential election is reduced to a mere referendum.
MP Shamheed stated that the current administration has no intention of introducing legislation to strengthen democracy or empower the Maldivian people. He noted that such efforts have been non-existent thus far, adding that the government is now actively working to strip citizens of the voting rights currently guaranteed to them by law.
Furthermore, MP Shamheed stated that the PNC is squandering the nation's finances and has treated the state treasury as if it were the party's own property.
Since the ratification of the 2008 Constitution, there has never been a group that has squandered the state treasury or treated public funds as their own personal property more than the PNC. The national treasury is being utilized as a funding mechanism for the PNC. New employees are being recruited across the islands under the guise of state-owned enterprises like RDC and WAMCO, yet they are essentially PNC staff. Their sole responsibility is to secure votes for the party. Consequently, the Maldivian people will not accept the argument that spending 30 to 40 million Rufiyaa on the citizens' right to vote is too high a cost, especially coming from those who are currently exhausting the entire state treasury for the benefit of the PNC. Changing the electoral process on such grounds is simply unjustifiable.Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, Member of Parliament for the Hulhumalé South constituency.
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has also filed a legal challenge seeking to annul the decree issued by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to hold a referendum on synchronizing presidential and parliamentary elections.
