Government is misleading public by claiming a 'No' vote in referendum is necessary for cost-cutting; those funds will instead be diverted to Ras Male': Shamheed

Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumale' constituency, has stated that the government is attempting to deceive the public by claiming that the synchronization of two elections is a cost-cutting measure. He asserted that the saved funds would instead be diverted to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s Ras Male' project, and urged the public to vote "no" in the referendum for this reason.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Noonekey" campaign program on Saturday night, Shamheed stated that a significant portion of the national revenue, particularly the development budget, is being diverted by the current administration under various pretexts to fund the Ras Male' reclamation project.

Shamheed stated that as long as the Ras Male' project continues, development in other islands will remain stalled. He noted that by reducing visits to the islands and eliminating frequent elections, all funds could be diverted to President Muizzu's Ras Male' project. Shamheed further asserted that this is the primary reason behind the move to consolidate elections.

No citizen requested the acquisition of military missiles, aircraft, or drones; these are not things the Maldivian people asked for. Similarly, the reclamation of Ras Male' was never a demand of the public. President Muizzu is merely prioritizing his own personal projects. Development across the islands has already been brought to a standstill. However, such stagnation cannot be maintained if elections are to be held.

Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumale' constituency.

Therefore, Shamheed stated that it is crucial to vote "no" in the upcoming referendum.

The member stated that the government's second objective in seeking to align the elections is to pave the way for extending the presidential term through a referendum.

When an elective office is announced or an individual is elected to a position, the term of that office is currently predetermined. However, the government is now seeking to amend the Constitution so that even after a term has been set, an individual elected, and the oath of office taken, the duration of that term can still be subject to change.

Shamheed stated that although the government is attempting to deceive the public by claiming the consolidation of the two elections is intended to reduce costs, this is their true underlying motive. Therefore, he urged the citizens to reject the proposal in the upcoming referendum.