MDP Accepts Resolution for Systematic Vote

The People’s Majlis has embraced a resolution, today, to hold a referendum on changes to the existing system of government in the nation. 

The motion put forward by Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb. The motion garnered support from members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and has now been passed for further deliberation within a committee of the entire parliament.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

The session witnessed a noticeable absence of MDP members for the majority of yesterday and today, while members of the Democratic Party engaged in rigorous debates surrounding the resolution. 

Speaker Nasheed decided to cast his vote on the resolution at 2:15 pm. His participation prompted an influx of MDP members into the parliamentary chamber.

Prior to the vote, discussions were held among key figures, including MDP Parliamentary Group Leader and Hithadhoo North MP Mohamed Aslam, The Democrats Parliamentary Group Leader and Central Henveiru MP Ali Azim, and Speaker Nasheed.

Following the successful vote on the resolution, Nasheed announced that the committee would resume its work on the matter on the following day. He cited requests from party leaders as the reason for this delay, indicating a desire for further discussions.

The resolution received unanimous support, with 35 MPs voting in favour of it. Azim subsequently moved to refer the resolution to the committee of the entire parliament, a motion that passed with unanimous approval from 34 members.

The resolution, proposed by Ilyas, calls for a systematic vote to be conducted before October, with the parliament directly overseeing the process. Nasheed emphasised that the Maldivian Constitution empowers the Parliament to conduct a general vote when the public’s opinion is required.

Should the Parliament endorse a specific action, the subsequent step is to submit it to the Election Commission (ECM) for a public vote, Nasheed explained. He underlined that the role of the President in this context is negligible, as the ECM is legally obligated to facilitate a general vote once the resolution is passed and a call for such a vote is made.

The Democrats interim council recently determined that the MDP’s commitment to holding a systematic vote on May 28 would be a precondition for their support in the second round. However, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the MDP’s presidential candidate, conveyed that organising such a vote before the second round may pose challenges. 

However, he expressed willingness to support an alternative date for a vote, provided it aligns with Ilyas’ resolution.

President Solih further disclosed that he had conveyed to Nasheed the possibility of holding a systematic vote before November.