MDP Pickup Rally: "The aim of merging the two elections is to find a way for Muizzu to remain in power for 20 to 25 years"
The MDP has accused the government of attempting to consolidate elections as a tactic to silence the public and prolong its hold on power, warning that reducing the frequency of elections will diminish government accountability and increase the risk of infringing upon citizens' rights.
Ahmed Saleem addresses the MDP rally held on a pickup truck. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
Ahmed Saleem (Maaz Saleem), a member of the MDP National Congress, has stated that the proposal to synchronize two elections is a calculated move to ensure President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu can remain in power for 20 to 25 years.
He made these remarks while addressing a pickup rally organized by the MDP.
He stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s efforts to consolidate elections are a calculated move to silence the public and secure the longest possible tenure in power. He noted that even without the synchronization of elections, the central government has already significantly tightened its grip on power. Consequently, he warned that once all authority is consolidated, the administration would not hesitate to strip citizens of their fundamental rights. Maaz Saleem further asserted that in the absence of frequent elections, the government would feel no obligation to engage with the people. He emphasized that the current electoral cycle is what compels the government to remain accountable to the public.
"These are all deceptive tactics, and we must not allow them to succeed. We must say a resounding 'no' in this referendum," he said.
In addition to Maaz Saleem, former Dhiggaru MP Ikram Hassan stated that the President continues to express a reluctance to visit islands and meet with the public. He further noted that this suggests the President would be even less inclined to listen to the voices of the people in the absence of an election.
