Combining two elections is an attempt to disrupt the system by injecting a parliamentary election into presidential race: Ali Hussain
Ali Hussain emphasized that in a presidential system, the presidential election is a distinct and significant event that must be held independently. He further asserted that the move to consolidate the presidential and parliamentary elections is a calculated effort to secure a second term for President Dr. Muizzu.
Legal professional and former Member of Parliament Ali Hussain speaks during RaajjeTV’s "Noonekey" campaign program. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
Legal expert and former Member of Parliament Ali Hussain has stated that holding parliamentary and presidential elections simultaneously would disrupt the governance system by introducing a parliamentary contest into the presidential race.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Noonekey" campaign program, Ali Hussain stated that the 2008 constitutional referendum had already established a presidential system for the Maldives. He emphasized that the presidential election is the most critical vote within such a system, as it determines the individual entrusted with the nation's overall governance and accountability. Ali Hussain further noted that the Constitution mandates a separate presidential election specifically due to its immense significance. Consequently, he argued that merging a parliamentary referendum with the presidential election would be an inappropriate course of action.
"In a presidential system, it is not advisable to combine presidential and parliamentary elections. The parliament represents the legislative branch. Doing this would throw the entire system into disarray. These two elections are not something that should be merged and muddled together," said Ali Hussain.
He further stated that the decision made by the people in a presidential election is one made for the sake of the nation, and that citizens decide who to entrust with the responsibility of governing the country only after careful consideration. Therefore, he characterized the move to consolidate the two elections as a calculated attempt to secure a second term for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
