Amendment proposed to bar ex-presidents from contesting for parliament

Dhidhdhoo MP Abdul Latheef, on Monday, proposed to amend the Parliamentary Elections Act to prohibit former presidents from contesting for parliament.

The amendment proposes to add a fifth point under section 8(c) of the Act, which states the factors which render individuals ineligible to contest for a parliamentary seat. The proposed fifth point is that a candidate must not have been a president.

The Act already bars members of the judiciary from contesting in parliamentary elections

The parliamentarian from the Jumhooree Party (JP) spoke to local media Mihaaru, explaining the reason he proposed the amendment. According to the lawmaker, if a former president contested for parliament, it would limit the privileges accorded to them by the Constitution.

Additionally, the Dhidhdhoo MP stated that he believed that former presidents would have an unfair advantage over their opposing candidates due to their prestige.

MP Latheef also questioned the motivations a former president might have in running for parliament. He highlighted that the state would facilitate means for such individuals to serve Maldives, including the cost of managing necessary office space.

The parliamentarian assured the amendment was not aimed at any specific person. However, he expressed concern that some former presidents had declared their intention contest in the parliamentary election slated for April 6.

Meanwhile, former president and current leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Mohamed Nasheed, has begun campaigning for parliament. Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has also expressed interest in contesting for parliament during an interview to an online media outlet. Yameen has not specified which constituency he will submit candidacy for.

JP has ordered MP Latheef to withdraw the amendment since it impinged on the basic right of a coalition leader. Parliamentary group leader of JP Abdulla Riyaz stated that the amendment was submitted without discussing it with either the JP parliamentary group or the joint parliamentary group.

MDP also held a press conference to condemn the amendment. MDP Chairperson Abdul Latheef stated that the proposed amendment contradicted the Constitution. He also stated that they believed that the amendment was targeted at Nasheed.