PPM says they will pass amendment restricting Officers from voting

Ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) says that officers of Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) must be exempt from political influence and is a matter closely linked to national security.

Speaking in a press conference held on Thursday in PPM Office, the Party’s Deputy Leader Abdu Raheem Abdullah said that the motto of the Party is nation first and as such they will enact any measure that facilitates that. Abdu Raheem said President Abdullah Yameen’s vision was also shaped in this manner.

He added that such a move would in reality negatively impact PPM as the Party commanded respect from the armed forces.

“PPM’s ideology is not for the Party’s losses. But for protection of national peace and unity,” Abdu Raheem said.

Speaking in the press conference, PPM Parliamentary Group Leader Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik said that this is carried out not just in the Maldives but also in other civilized nations. He said this shows that the Government will not be able to take advantage of the armed forces of their respective nations.

“We will pass it as soon as it is submitted to the Parliament. PPM will always work to bring the best for the nation,” Nihan said.

On Tuesday evening, Defense Minister Adam Shareef Umar said that amendments will be brought to the Armed Forces Act, curtailing the voting rights for officers of the Armed Forces. Minister also said that this will be done to ensure that the Armed Forces were free from political influences.

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has criticized the motion, stating that this was an attack on personal rights and the Constitution.