Referendum is a burden placed on public solely to fulfill President Muizzu's personal agenda: MP Ahmed Didi
MP Ahmed Didi has characterized the government's proposed referendum on consolidating elections as a calculated attempt to diminish public empowerment. Highlighting that the current system of separate elections has never been a point of public grievance, he argued that the move raises significant legal concerns and threatens to silence local voices and hinder island development. Consequently, he urged the public to oppose the referendum to safeguard their right to representation.
Member of Parliament for the Maradhoo constituency, Ahmed Didi, delivers his remarks during the "Noonekey" campaign program. | RaajjeMV | RaajjeMV
Ahmed Didi, the Member of Parliament for the Maradhoo constituency, has characterized the referendum scheduled to be held alongside the upcoming local council elections as a deceptive move initiated solely by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at the expense of the public.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Noonekey" campaign program, MP Ahmed Didi stated that the public has never expressed concern or raised complaints regarding the practice of holding various elections on different dates.
Referring to the referendum to be held alongside the local council elections, Didi stated that this vote is being imposed upon the public solely because it is a personal preference of President Muizzu.
Furthermore, Didi stated that conducting the vote in its current form raises numerous legal questions, and noted that the manner in which the vote is being contested is also flawed.
Members of Parliament have taken an oath of office for a five-year term. If this is suddenly reduced to four years and six months, what happens to that oath? Does the oath change as well? There are numerous questions here, including several legal concerns. Furthermore, this could set a precedent where a future Parliament might decide to shorten the term of a sitting president. What would happen then? Decisions of this nature cannot be made by the executive or the Parliament without consulting the people. Such changes should only occur if the public desires them and after proper consultation. In contrast, what we are seeing now is an initiative driven by the President’s own agenda. The President is attempting to carry this out while shifting the justification onto the citizens. During our visits to various islands, we have not encountered any citizens who are concerned about holding two separate elections on different days. In fact, the people prefer that the elections remain separate.Ahmed Didi, Member of Parliament for the Maradhoo constituency.
Reflecting on the nation's political culture, Didi stated that the public is well aware that their needs and presidential pledges are typically addressed only when elections are imminent. He noted that politicians are currently compelled to engage with the people ahead of every election. However, he warned that if the government’s proposed referendum is successful, the public will lose this vital leverage.
Didi stated that without elections, the needs of the people would remain unaddressed and the development of islands would come to a standstill.
Consequently, Didi urged the public not to relinquish the power they currently hold.
