Will not ratify amendment barring ex-presidents from contesting for parliament, says Maldives pres.

While a lawmaker aligned with ruling coalition partner Jumhooree Party (JP) has submitted a constitutional amendment to bar former presidents from contesting for parliament, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that he will not ratify such an amendment.

While he announced this at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, the president had previously stated that such an amendment “is against democratic principles.”

Noting that he wants to see parliamentarians from all coalition partners, he emphasized that he will not ratify an amendment barring former presidents from contesting in parliament.

Responding to a question regarding the controversial amendment submitted to parliament, President Solih said that he will not ratify anything that would deprive anyone’s rights, even if passed by parliament.

The amendment was submitted by Dhihdhoo constituency MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed on Thursday, seeking to amend Article 73 (a) of the constitution defining the qualifications of those contesting for parliamentary seats.

Main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has said that amendment is a direct attack on its leader, former President Mohamed Nasheed, who is contesting for Central-Mahchangoalhi constituency. He confirmed the MDP ticket at the primary election held on Friday.

While a JP aligned lawmaker has submitted this amendment, senior officials claim that it was done without consulting with the party.

However, party leader Qasim Ibrahim had, on Friday, announced decision to work with other parties in the parliamentary elections. He has since met with lawmakers aligned with former President Abdulla Yameen.

Qasim accused MDP of sidelining JP after coming into power, and violating coalition agreements by choosing to contest in all 87 constituencies in the parliamentary elections.