Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s National Council has last night passed a resolution to oppose the amendment to the Constitution submitted to parliament seeking to merge the presidential and parliamentary elections.
At yesterday's MDP National Council meeting, North Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem submitted a motion regarding the merging of elections. Concerns raised in the motion include:
- Although it is imperative to seek public opinion on matters such as this which are of public interest, no such efforts were made before the amendment to the Constitution was submitted to parliament.
- The rushed process of passing the amendment, as opposed to allowing ample time for review and discussion, reflects questionable intent.
- The decision to hold the referendum on election merging alongside the Local Council Elections does not allow sufficient time for citizens to make an informed decision in the referendum.
Raising these concerns, Meekail appealed for the MDP National Council to reach a decision on actions regarding the referendum. His motion to oppose the referendum was passed unanimously by votes of 48 members present.
Former Makunudhoo MP Mohamed Raaee proposed another motion, which was also passed unanimously.
Raaee proposed to launch street protests against the merging of elections.
The Elections Commission has announced that the public referendum on merging the elections and defining the parliamentary term will be held alongside the April 4 Local Council and Women's Development Committee Elections.
