Referendum vote question has been manipulated: Shathir
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has leveled serious allegations against the government, claiming that the question posed for the upcoming April referendum on synchronizing elections is intentionally misleading. Characterizing the vote as unlawful, the opposition party has urged the public to vote against the measure, asserting that while the government justifies the move as a cost-cutting initiative, it is actually a calculated attempt to gain a political advantage.
Shathir Abdul Rahman, a member of the MDP National Congress, speaks during a pickup-truck rally held by the party on Monday. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
MDP National Congress member Shathir Abdul Rahman has stated that the question on the ballot for the upcoming referendum on April 4th is misleading, and called on the Elections Commission to clarify the wording for the public.
Speaking at a protest held on Monday as part of the MDP’s ongoing series against the synchronization of presidential and parliamentary elections, Shathir stated that the Elections Commission has failed to clarify the contents of the referendum ballot scheduled for April 4.
Shathir detailed his allegations, claiming that the phrasing of the question on the ballot paper was intentionally misleading.
The ballot paper presented on April 4th proposes holding the presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously. First, it addresses this administrative matter of concurrent elections. Secondly, it asks whether the public approves the ratification of the 8th Amendment to the Constitution, which defines the procedure for determining the term of the People’s Majlis. But who among you truly understands what this procedure entails? Is there a single citizen here who knows the specifics of this 8th Amendment to the Constitution? I doubt it. Without a single citizen in this country knowing exactly what changes have been made to the method of calculating the parliamentary term, they are handing out ballot papers and telling people to vote "yes" or "no." We are asserting that the Elections Commission and the government have a responsibility to clearly explain the details of this constitutional amendment to the public before asking for their vote.Shathir Abdul Rahman, President of the MDP National Congress' Kudahuvadhoo Constituency.
Shathir also stated that holding a vote based on the current phrasing of the question on the ballot paper would be illegal.
Consequently, Shathir has called on the Maldivian people to reject President Muizzu in this referendum, accusing his administration of acting with deceit.
