Government's approach to merging two elections is flawed, and that is why we must say 'no' in the referendum: Mariya

Former Defense Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi has criticized the government’s attempt to consolidate two elections, stating that the public must vote "no" in the upcoming referendum for this reason.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Noonekey" campaign program, Mariya Didi stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and his administration view the process of amending the Constitution solely as a political maneuver.

However, Mariya stated that this was not a political matter.

Amending the Constitution is not a political matter. I am not here today as a member of the MDP, nor as a member of the MDP National Congress. I am here as a concerned citizen. This is about how we shape our future, as well as the future of our parents and our children. It is about the rights they will be entitled to.

Former Defense Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi

Mariya reiterated that the rights of all citizens are fundamentally linked to the Constitution and that this is not a political matter. She stated that President Muizzu cannot simply amend the Constitution whenever he pleases or on a whim, emphasizing that such actions require careful deliberation and foresight.

Mariya stated that when former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom sought to amend the Constitution, he introduced a comprehensive reform agenda. She noted that his approach encompassed the entire framework, whereas the current administration is making changes piece by piece. Mariya emphasized that this is not how such a process should be conducted.

Mariya stated that the MDP has consistently advocated for this position from the beginning. She noted that once they perceived it as a political issue, they began viewing it negatively, adding that this is precisely why a "no" vote is necessary in the referendum.

Mariya described the proposed referendum as a highly dangerous and alarming move. She noted that while the government claims merging the two elections is a measure to reduce costs, this is merely a pretext to convince the public of the necessity of constitutional amendments. She further highlighted the Attorney General’s remarks, suggesting that these changes are only the beginning.

Mariya stated that the government's decision to synchronize the two elections is not intended to reduce costs. She further noted that if the public consents to this change, it would mark the government's first successful step in amending the Constitution to suit its own agenda.