Elections are a fundamental and core essence of the Constitution; no justification can be provided for the consolidation of elections: former Chief Justice

Former Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi has stated that elections are a fundamental and core essence of the Constitution, asserting that there can be no justification for consolidating them.

At a press conference held Sunday titled "No to Referendum," former Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi called for an end to the practice of making abrupt amendments to the Constitution.

Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi stated that the Constitution is a document of supreme authority, occupying the highest tier of the legal hierarchy. He emphasized that it should not be treated as a trivial instrument or be subject to the same rapid, frequent amendments as ordinary legislation.

Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi highlighted that the constitutional oaths for the two most vital branches of state—the executive and the legislature—explicitly mandate respect for and the upholding of the Constitution. He noted that the People’s Majlis is granted the authority to amend the Constitution only under exceptional circumstances. Furthermore, he asserted that as the Constitution is a legitimate foundational document, it should not be altered simply because the government holds a parliamentary majority. He criticized the current administration's approach, stating that it deviates from international norms and that constitutional amendments should not be pursued in such a manner.

Furthermore, Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi stated that the government's efforts to consolidate the two elections are not driven by public will, noting that there has been no such demand from the citizens. He emphasized that the Constitution is the property of the people and future generations. As it is not the private property of any individual, Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi asserted that the Constitution cannot be amended simply at the whim of the President.

Every time the President meets with the public, he presents a new justification for holding the two elections concurrently. Most recently, he stated that his decision to combine the elections was based on the high voter turnout typically seen in presidential elections. He further suggested that this move was intended to prevent the Parliament from initiating a no-confidence motion or impeachment process within the next six months. In reality, impeachment is a mechanism used when a President abuses constitutional powers, and he is making these claims simply because he holds a parliamentary majority. The President's remarks further demonstrate a loss of constitutional legitimacy. By framing the issue in this manner, he is prioritizing his personal interests over the public interest. This mandate belongs to the people, not to him personally.

Former Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi

Responding to claims that holding elections on a single day is intended to reduce costs, Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi stated that there is significant waste within the political system, and such extravagance must be brought to an end.

Furthermore, Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi stated that elections are a fundamental and essential component of the Constitution, asserting that such matters cannot be justified or compromised by comparing them to costs. He further emphasized that the necessary expenditures must be incurred and that the required budget should be duly approved.