Combining two elections is an act of undermining the power of the people: Ibrahim Rasheed

Former Member of Parliament for the Central Maafannu constituency, Ibrahim Rasheed, has alleged that the government’s deceptive attempt to combine two elections through a referendum is a calculated move to undermine the power of the people.

Speaking on Raajje TV’s "Noonekey" campaign program on Monday night, Rasheed stated that the move to amend laws in haste to hold two elections simultaneously is an attempt by President Muizzu’s administration to undermine the power of the people.

Rasheed stated that the essence of public power begins when citizens elect representatives from various constituencies to the People's Majlis, where their primary responsibility is to hold the government accountable. However, he noted that dictators are often wary of a parliament that fulfills this oversight role. He further remarked that history shows the legislature lacks significant independent authority under such regimes, asserting that the Maldives is currently witnessing a trend where autocratic leaders are increasingly consolidating power within their own hands.

This is an attempt to undermine the power of the people. The people’s power begins when they elect representatives from various islands, atolls, and constituencies to the People’s Majlis. Their responsibility is to hold the government accountable—a concept that strikes fear into the hearts of dictators. We have already experienced a dictatorship in this country, during which time the existence of a parliament was barely felt. Back then, those who advocated for the rights of the citizens were imprisoned or shackled. Therefore, for a dictator like Muizzu, the existence of a parliament capable of holding the government accountable is a significant threat. In the first phase, the authority of the People’s Majlis was undermined. Individual members who spoke up for the rights of the people were targeted and silenced. Now, they have been gagged. Next, the power of the Supreme Court was dismantled.

Ibrahim Rasheed, the former Member of Parliament for the Central Maafannu constituency.

Rasheed stated that since the government lacks the authority to dissolve the People's Majlis, President Muizzu has instead diminished the parliament's power by curtailing its functions. Rasheed further remarked that the parliament currently operates like an umbrella being opened and closed, with the control button held firmly in President Muizzu's hand.

Rasheed has called on all citizens to resoundingly reject the upcoming vote, accusing the government of attempting to deceive the public.