Attempt to combine two elections not within president’s constitutional powers, impeachable offense: Moosa
Moosa Manik has asserted that the President lacks the constitutional authority to consolidate elections, describing such a move as a constitutional violation that warrants impeachment. He emphasized that any constitutional amendments should only be made following consultations with all political parties, noting that the current timing is inappropriate for such changes. Furthermore, Manik stated that merging elections to avoid facing the electorate is unacceptable.
Former Chairperson of the MDP, Moosa Manik (Reeko). | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
Former MDP Chairperson Moosa Manik (Reeko) has stated that the government's efforts to consolidate two national elections are beyond the constitutional powers granted to the President, asserting that such an action constitutes grounds for impeachment.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Noonekey" program, Moosa stated that the powers vested in the President under Article 115 of the Constitution do not include the authority to consolidate elections.
When a member resigns from a political party, they are required to vacate their seat. Following such a resignation, a group of citizens petitioned the Supreme Court. Article 2 of the Constitution of the Maldives stipulates that the state shall be governed based on Islamic principles, and one of the most fundamental tenets of Islam is the establishment of justice. Despite this, the case was brought before the Supreme Court. However, even after the removal and replacement of Supreme Court justices, the case remains stalled. Now, a second constitutional issue has been introduced—the proposal to combine two separate votes into a single referendum. How can this be justified? By any objective standard, the powers granted to the President under Article 115 of the Constitution do not constitute grounds for impeachment.Former Chairperson of the MDP, Moosa Manik (Reeko)
Criticizing the move to hold a referendum on synchronizing elections, he stated that any constitutional amendment must involve transparent consultations with all political parties. He further emphasized that such a process should be conducted without secrecy, taking into account both modern standards and current circumstances.
Moosa dismissed claims that the Special People’s Majlis had previously combined elections, labeling such statements as false. He noted that following the expiration of the term for the parliament elected in 2005, the presidential election was the first to be held as matters were organized under the new Constitution. He further emphasized that even during the transitional period, elections were scheduled separately and that no efforts were made at that time to hold them concurrently.
