Question regarding synchronization of elections is not framed within the constitutional framework, nor is it presented in a manner suitable for a public referendum: Bigey
Former Member of Parliament Mohamed Rasheed Hussain has stated that synchronizing presidential and parliamentary elections contradicts the spirit of the Constitution and will diminish government accountability to the public. Describing the reduction of election cycles as a move to consolidate power and marginalize citizens, he argued that such changes discourage leaders from engaging with the electorate. Consequently, he called on the public to reject these efforts, which he claims undermine the decentralization system and aim to subjugate the people.
Mohamed Rasheed Hussain (Bigey), the former Member of Parliament for the Alifushi constituency. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
Former Alifushi MP Mohamed Rasheed Hussain (Bigey) has stated that the proposal to hold parliamentary and presidential elections simultaneously is not aligned with the Constitution, nor is it framed in a manner suitable for a public referendum.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Noonekey" program, Bigey stated that while there is a collective understanding that the Constitution’s powers should remain strictly separated, current actions are entirely contrary to the spirit of the Constitution. He further noted that the wording of the question on the ballot is misleading, pointing out that it does not clearly ask whether the two elections should be held on the same day or on different dates.
Bigey stated that during his visit to Feridhoo, a resident told him that combining the elections was not a viable option. He noted that the individual expressed concern that if the two elections were held together, government officials would not be seen by the public more than once every five years.
As it stands, government officials visit the people frequently—during parliamentary, presidential, and local council elections. They come to us promising to deliver projects, and if certain tasks remain unfinished, they attempt to initiate them just as the next election cycle approaches. However, if these elections are consolidated, we will likely not see any of these officials for the entirety of their five-year term, except perhaps once. I am saying this based on the very patterns they have established; this is the reality of the situation.Mohamed Rasheed Hussain (Bigey), the former Member of Parliament for the Alifushi constituency.
He stated that there is no alternative but to vote "no" in this election to escape from this situation.
Bigey stated that although the role of the island chief was abolished under the Decentralization Act to allow citizens to elect their own accountable local leaders, the government is now moving to strip away those powers through constitutional amendments.
He stated that the abolition of atoll offices and the restructuring of local jurisdictions resulted in many individuals losing their authority and influence. Bigey noted that although local councils were elected for a five-year term, they only had two years of effective governance, both of which were severely disrupted by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bigey stated that the government's intentions extend far beyond merely synchronizing two elections. He noted that the administration is systematically consolidating power to the point where citizens are being enslaved and marginalized, leaving them unable to live in peace and dignity.
