We are heading toward a monarchy; if that is what you want, vote 'yes' in referendum: Aslam

Former Housing Minister Mohamed Aslam has stated that the current government's actions are steering the country toward a monarchy, adding that those who support such a move should vote in favor of it during the constitutional referendum.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Noonekey" campaign program, Aslam asserted that the proposal to hold both elections simultaneously must be met with a definitive "no." He explained that this stance is necessary to ensure that Members of Parliament elected to represent the people do not become individuals brought into office solely through the influence and momentum of the President's own election campaign.

Aslam stated that holding both elections simultaneously would place members of Parliament under the President's influence, as the President would be responsible for leading and securing their election. Consequently, he argued that instead of having representatives who serve the people, the legislature would consist of individuals who merely represent the President.

In reality, if the President leads these candidates and secures their election, there will be no one left to represent the people. Instead, you will only have individuals representing the President. Furthermore, no one will even bother to visit you. In fact, they will not return to your side for the next five years. The Maldivian people can now see very clearly how this situation is unfolding.

Former Housing Minister Mohamed Aslam

He emphasized that this is not a matter to be viewed through a partisan lens. Instead, he described it as a crucial vote for the nation's future and for the sake of generations to come. Aslam noted that while political parties naturally consist of individuals with differing opinions—including a few within his own party—they must approach this as a matter of national importance.

Aslam stated that the government’s intentions in this matter are malicious and deeply questionable. He warned that following this move, the government’s next step would be to manipulate the way election results are determined. He suggested that they might shift to a "first-past-the-post" system or introduce preferential voting, noting that the public would be left in the dark and unable to understand how results are calculated during the counting process.

Aslam stated that the next step would be the implementation of electronic voting. He warned that if the government succeeds in securing a "yes" vote in a future referendum, it would lead the nation directly toward subjugation. He further asserted that the country is heading toward a monarchy, suggesting that those who wish to transition to such a system should vote in favor of the proposal.