Referendum is being pursued in the same manner that ex-Pres. Yameen’s image was utilized during the presidential election; however, this time local council elections have replaced Yameen: Aslam

Former Housing Minister Mohamed Aslam has alleged that the government’s move to hold a referendum on aligning presidential and parliamentary elections is a calculated tactic. He claimed that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu intends to exploit the upcoming local council elections to mislead the public, similar to how he allegedly used former President Abdulla Yameen’s image to deceive voters during the presidential campaign.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Noonekey" program, Aslam stated that under the current state structure, the President is the executive elected by the people to govern the entire nation. However, he noted that the People’s Majlis is an institution designed to represent individual constituencies and hold the government accountable. Aslam argued that holding these two elections simultaneously would cause voters to lose focus, allowing the presidential election to overshadow the parliamentary race.

Aslam further stated that holding these two elections simultaneously would lead the public to believe that the party of the elected President must also be granted seats in Parliament. He emphasized that this is not an issue specific to any particular party in power; rather, regardless of who is in administration, such a move would compromise the independence of Parliament and erode the spirit of government accountability.

I recall how everyone spoke about the "empty chair" during the election campaign. In the posters, President Yameen’s face was more prominent than that of the PPM-PNC candidate contesting the election. The other two individuals were positioned behind him. That was the image they projected. However, what transpired after the election is now very clear to the public. It was carried out through a massive deception, and I see this current situation unfolding in that same deceptive manner. It is like the fine print you see on bills. There is usually a footnote stating that items purchased cannot be exchanged. It is written in such tiny letters that no one ever reads it; no one even looks at the footnotes on a bill. This entire matter is proceeding in that exact same fashion.

Former Housing Minister Mohamed Aslam

Aslam stated that it would be inappropriate to hold a sudden vote on such a significant change to the Maldives' democratic system.

Aslam stated that before implementing such a significant change, the public must clearly understand the arguments from both sides, and the matter should be subject to extensive debate and consultation over a long period. He further noted that attempting to bring major systemic changes based on baseless rhetoric poses a serious threat to the nation's future.