President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Saturday claimed that the current political climate could lead towards a coup d'etat, if Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) did not secure majority seating in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
During MDP’s campaign reception held in Velidhoo, Noonu Atoll, President Solih iterated in his speech that it is important for the party to acquire legislative power by means of parliament majority in order to fulfil the numerous electoral pledges and policies drafted in MDP's policy proposal 'Agenda 19'.
Following major political unrest over the detention of Criminal Court Judge Abdulla Mohamed and other political figures, which resulted in the loss of authority over Military and Police personnel, former president Mohamed Nasheed resigned on February 7, 2012.
However, the 'Commission of National Inquiry' developed to investigate the matter refuted Nasheed's claim that he was overthrown through a coup d'etat.
In regards to the coup, President Solih stated that the country would take multiple steps backwards if such a situation were to repeat itself.
Additionally, the President claimed that a majority of his electoral pledges were fulfilled following his appointment, including free education up to undergraduate degrees.
Other members of the ruling coalition including Jumhooree Party (JP) and Adhaalath Party (AP) are in disagreement with the notion of MDP gaining majority.
Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom expressed that it is important for the ruling coalition as a whole to gain majority seating instead of merely MDP.
JP leader Qasim Ibrahim stated that country's matters may go out of hand should MDP gain parliamentary majority.
'Agenda 19' consists of policies focusing on 19 central areas that would encompass the party’s legislative agenda. Policy proposals include the introduction of bills to establish a minimum wage and income tax, as well as providing unemployment benefits.
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