Former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has announced his manifesto comprising of a presidential system, conflicting with the opposition coalition's main party Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) persevering to subsist a parliamentary system of governance in Maldives.
All parties included in the opposition coalition, with the exception of MDP, are in favour of a presidential system. In addition to Adhaalath Party and Jumhooree Party (JP), Maumoon Reform Movement (MRM) has also subscribed to a presidential system as a ruling principle.
Maumoon had previously expressed his favour to a presidential system in the 2008 voting as well.
The main points in Maumoon's manifesto includes further reinforcing the three main powers of the presidential system. More vows were included in the manifesto as well.
- Revision of the Judicial Service Commission with changes to its powers and duties
- Minimizing the governmental role in allocation of the state budget to judicial offices and independent bodies
- Introduction of a bicameral legislature and inclusion of an experienced senate
- Revising the laws in order to uphold parliament integrity
- Introducing a National Planning Council that includes professionals to carry out projects
- Introduction of income tax
- Minimizing Goods and Services Tax (GST) to three percent
- Setting and finalizing the budget for 2023
- Reduction of foreign debt
- Determining the minimum wage and reviewing salaries of civil servants
- Providing more opportunities to local companies
- Providing pensioners with their pension money, as well as the retirement benefit due for individuals above 65 years
- Implementing and carrying out regional development in select three areas of the country
- Extending an education plan that caters sufficient knowledge in Arabic, Islamic studies as well as Dhivehi
- Providing internet services to 95 percent of the population
- Reduce telecommunication services by 50 percent
- Reduction of equity and interest rates on all housing loans
- Establishing a housing subsidiary system
- Providing housing for required people
Furthermore, the manifesto includes vows to eliminate corruption within Maldives, as well as the importance of empowering women and youth of the country. His manifesto further includes vows to uphold the virtues of Islam.
The opposition coalition is currently discussing Maumoon's manifesto. They have revealed a number of vows being in alignment with their manifesto as well.
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