Maldivians demonstrated profound maturity 19 years ago: Muizzu
Former Prosecutor General Ahmed Muizzu highlighted that the 2007 constitutional referendum was preceded by a comprehensive 14-month public awareness campaign to educate citizens on the governance systems. Noting the current lack of similar efforts as the country prepares for another potential vote, Muizzu remarked that it appears Maldivians were considered far more politically mature 19 years ago than they are today.
Ahmed Muizzu, the Maldives' first Prosecutor General, speaks during RaajjeTV's "Noonekey" campaign program. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
As the Maldives prepares to hold its first public referendum in 19 years, the country’s first Prosecutor General, Ahmed Muizzu, has observed that current developments demonstrate Maldivians have become significantly more politically mature than they were nearly two decades ago.
Ahmed Muizzu, who served as a member of the Special Majlis that drafted the Constitution, stated in a social media post that the Special Majlis passed a resolution on June 18, 2006, to conduct a public referendum to determine the preferred system of government for the Maldives under the "Green Constitution."
Muizzu noted that following the decision, the then-President of the Special Majlis, Abbas Ibrahim, sent a letter to the President on June 21, 2006, requesting the practical implementation of the matter. However, in response to that letter, the President requested that further efforts be made to clarify and provide the public with more information regarding the systems of government being put to a vote.
Muizzu noted that following the initial decision, a special parliamentary committee tasked with coordinating the referendum spearheaded an extensive public awareness campaign. The constitutional referendum was eventually held on August 18, 2007. This took place 14 months after the Special Majlis had first passed the resolution to hold the vote.
Muizzu noted that during that period, specialized books, leaflets, and posters were distributed nationwide to inform the public. He also recalled that all parties were given the opportunity to openly present their arguments through television and radio.
Comparing the current situation to that of 19 years ago, the former Prosecutor General questioned whether the same principles are being upheld as the nation prepares for another public vote. He further questioned whether Maldivians were significantly more mature 19 years ago, based on the observations and events unfolding today.
