Merging elections is an attempt to marginalize and impoverish public into subjugation; if implemented, a significant portion of Constitution will be lost: Ahmed Shafeeq
Former Majlis member Ahmed Shafeeq has accused the government of attempting to undermine public empowerment and violate fundamental constitutional principles. He highlighted that centralizing the powers of independent institutions and local councils under government control paves the way for authoritarianism. Consequently, Shafeeq characterized the move to synchronize elections as a calculated effort to marginalize the citizenry and exert undue political influence.
Ahmed Shafeeq, who served as a member for Meemu Atoll in the People's Majlis. | RaajjeMV | RaajjeMV
Ahmed Shafeeq, a former member of the People’s Majlis for Meemu Atoll, has stated that the current administration's efforts to synchronize two elections are intended to marginalize, impoverish, and ultimately enslave the public. He warned that if this move proceeds, a significant portion of the Constitution would be undermined.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Noonekey" program, Shafeeq stated that the government’s current actions are a direct attempt to undermine the power held by the people. He warned that these efforts would lead to the disenfranchisement and marginalization of the public, ultimately reducing them to a state of subjugation.
Shafeeq stated that the current administration finds it easier to win elections when the public is kept in a state of subservience. However, he noted that governing through such electoral victories ultimately results in nothing but loss for the people.
However, governing after winning elections in such a manner only results in loss, hardship, and injustice for the people. It is because the public rejects such methods that a significant portion of the Constitution is being undermined. For instance, the powers of the People’s Majlis have been neutralized. The independence of state institutions has been stripped away by those appointed to lead them. Consequently, there are no longer any truly independent institutions left in this country.Ahmed Shafeeq, who served as the representative for Meemu Atoll in the People's Majlis.
Shafeeq stated that while the government has already introduced significant amendments to the Constitution, they have also altered key provisions specifically designed by the original Constitutional Assembly to prioritize and uphold the power of the people.
Shafeeq stated that the powers of local councils have been undermined. He emphasized that when the Constitution was drafted, councils were established as independent bodies specifically to ensure that power remains in the hands of the people.
He stated that the Local Government Authority (LGA) was originally established to ensure the government maintained no direct control over local councils. However, he noted that the current administration has seized that power from the people by creating a dedicated ministry for that purpose. He further asserted that establishing such a ministry to strip councils of their authority is a direct violation of the Constitution.
Shafeeq stated that by continuing to implement changes in this manner, the current administration will eventually transform the entire system into an autocratic regime.
