Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih stated last night that some ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MPs are ready to quit the party and join the opposition efforts led by three former presidents.
Speaking at last night's rally concluding MDP candidate for North Hithadhoo by-election Abdulla Sodhiq's campaign, Solih said that the constitutional amendment which stipulates that MPs will lose their seats if they change parties is illogical.
The change only serves to restrict MPs, and obstructs them from speaking for the public as well, Solih opined.
Solih shared that a PNC MP had called him two days ago and told him that the MPs are ready to hold the current administration accountable. The MP had stated that they stand behind the three former presidents, Solih said.
"Two days ago, a PNC MP called me. They said there are this number of MPs with them. I am sharing the truth here. They said they are ready even now to leave PNC and work to hold this government accountable," Solih said.
"They asked to give them some form of assurance. They were referring to myself, President Nasheed and President Yameen. They said you three have begun some work. 'If you will assure us that you will work to re-elect us when we lose the seats after leaving the party, then we are ready to come out to hold this government accountable'," Solih shared.
Last month, former Presidents Solih, Mohamed Nasheed and Abdulla Yameen signed an agreement to work together for press freedom. Since then, the three former presidents have appointed proxies to lead the efforts.
Solih asserted that 'the scales are leaning towards them', metaphorically indicating that MDP is growing bigger. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu will have to step down before the end of the year, Solih stated.
The former President said that a president cannot 'lock up' MPs for the entirety of their term. Changes must be brought to parliament through the election of individuals such as Sodhiq, he added.
Solih also expressed concern about the government's recent announcement that duties for cigarettes is to be decreased.
Solih stated that the prices need to be kept high to encourage a tobacco-free community, and that the parliament should not be passing every bill submitted by the government as is.
The parliament must, instead, review the bill and weigh its consequences before reaching a decision, Solih said, adding that the current condition of the parliament prevents it from acting in this way.
