We must vote 'no' in referendum because amendment lacks constitutional legitimacy: Didi
Didi has urged the public to vote "no" in the upcoming referendum, asserting that the recent constitutional amendment violates fundamental legal principles. Expressing concern that the changes could lead to authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic values, he called on citizens to reject the amendment to safeguard the nation's multi-party political system.
Former Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
Former Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi has stated that the real reason to vote "no" in the referendum on the recent constitutional amendments is that they were enacted in violation of the Constitution and lack constitutional legitimacy.
He made these remarks while speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Noonekey" campaign program.
Dr. Didi stated that the most crucial message for the public regarding this referendum is that their decision should not be based solely on the phrasing of the proposed question. Instead, he emphasized that the fundamental reason to vote "no" against this amendment is that it was introduced outside of established constitutional principles.
Expressing grave concern over the implications of this amendment, the former Chief Justice warned that it would pave the way for the Maldives' governance system to transition into an autocracy. He characterized the arguments being made by some proponents of the change as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. Furthermore, he dismissed claims that the President was unaware of these developments, describing such assertions as entirely false and contrary to the facts.
Consequently, the result of this amendment will be our transition into an authoritarian regime. The claims made by some parties—suggesting that the President would have no way of knowing which individuals or which party might be affected—are nothing more than a deceptive narrative.Former Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi
Dr. Didi further stated that the President and the government would utilize all available means to campaign for the election of candidates from his own party to Parliament. Consequently, he emphasized that it is essential to take action to prevent the Maldives from descending into an authoritarian regime.
Emphasizing the importance of strengthening and maintaining the Maldives' current multi-party political system, he stated that a democratic system where the government functions alongside an opposition must not be allowed to slip away. He appealed to the public, asserting that there is no choice but to vote "no" in this election to safeguard that system.
