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Difficult to complete pledges without MDP majority: Nasheed

Ahmed Aiham
29 December 2018, MVT 09:38
Former President Mohamed Nasheed gestures to the crowd of supporters gathered at Artificial Beach to welcome him, on November 1, 2018. PHOTO NISHAN ALI/MIHAARU
Ahmed Aiham
29 December 2018, MVT 09:38

Former President Mohamed Nasheed, on Friday, stated that it would be difficult to complete the President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's electoral pledges if Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) failed to acquire a majority of parliament seats.

During the opening of his campaign hub, Nasheed declared that MDP would do whatever necessary to acquire a parliament majority.

Referring to the authoritative limitations placed by Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions on the newly-formed Presidential Commissions on Unsolved Murders and Asset Recovery by amending a proposed state bill that sought to grant the bodies with extensive legal powers, Nasheed claimed that competing political parties were not in support carrying key electoral pledges forward.

The former president recounted that in the decision made by his 2019 administration to provide a pension scheme for elderly citizens, rival parties had taken the case to court, instead of voting against it in Parliament.

“Parliament majority is vital in accomplishing our pledges", said Nasheed.

“Providing housing for the upcoming generation is the duty of all political leaders".

Nasheed also expressed his belief that the 2019 parliament was set to become the biggest tool in establishing housing for all citizens.

The former president is confirmed to be contesting for the constituency of Machangoalhi Central, Male' City.

Nasheed’s statements come at a time when the ruling coalition is divided on the subject of seat allocations for the upcoming parliamentary election.

While the ruling committee of MDP stated their desire to contest fairly for all parliamentary seats, ruling coalition member Jumhooree Party leans firmly towards that of a hung parliament.

Furthermore, Jumhooree Party and Maumoon Reform Movement portray little or no qualms over assigning party endorsements in the absence of a primary election.

Maldives' centre right-wing party MDP, stated that a parliamentary seat sharing agreement would be in violation of citizens' right to contest in an election.

Former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has openly advocated for a handover of party tickets to the 12 recently reinstated parliamentarians, without a party primary. However, MDP remains firm on the stance that endorsements will not be given without an internal election.

While the leaders of the ruling collation have hosted two meetings in relation to the issue, a formula to share the parliament is yet to be agreed upon.

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