Shafeeq: PNC members passed the amendment without even knowing the government's true intentions
Former Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abdulla Shafeeq has alleged that the constitutional amendment to hold presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously was orchestrated through deception without public consultation. Accusing the government of increasing authoritarianism, he urged citizens to reject the amendment by voting "no" in the upcoming referendum scheduled for April. Shafeeq emphasized the importance of voting against the change for the sake of national interest, highlighting a significant discrepancy between the government's actions and its rhetoric.
Former Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abdulla Shafeeq speaks during RaajjeTV’s "Noonekey" campaign program. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
Former Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abdulla Shafeeq has stated that even PNC members were unaware of the government's true intentions when they voted for the constitutional amendment to hold presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously.
Speaking on Raajje TV’s "Noonekey" campaign program on Thursday night, Shafeeq stated that the primary reason citizens must reject the proposed amendment in the April 4th referendum is the flawed process by which it was passed.
Shafeeq alleged that introducing such an amendment to the Constitution without any public consultation is a major deception. He stated that the current administration is increasingly displaying authoritarianism following its success in the parliamentary elections.
The process of introducing this amendment was fundamentally flawed. The public was not afforded an adequate opportunity to deliberate on the matter. In reality, it is not just the citizens who are in the dark; even the members of the ruling party within the People’s Majlis likely do not understand the true nature or implications of what the government is attempting to do. They simply voted to pass it. Consequently, this is an act carried out through deception. Since its inception, this administration has been pursuing this with clear ulterior motives.Mohamed Abdulla Shafeeq, former Member of Parliament for the Velidhoo constituency.
Shafeeq stated that the public can clearly see this administration’s inconsistency, noting a stark contrast between the rhetoric used to win the presidential and parliamentary elections and their subsequent actions.
Shafeeq stated that when comparing the government's current rhetoric regarding the upcoming referendum with their projected actions should they win the election, no individual—regardless of their political affiliation—would even consider voting any way other than "no."
Shafeeq stated that a close look at the government's actions clearly reveals its true intentions. He emphasized that it is, therefore, crucial for the public to reject them in this vote.
