MDP National Assembly Rejects Shift to Parliamentary System

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) National Assembly has opted not to support the change of the country’s system of governance to a parliamentary one during the National Assembly, last night. 

The atmosphere during the National Assembly meeting, convened by the MDP to determine the fate of the parliamentary system proposal, was one of strong support for maintaining the existing presidential system.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

The proposed Parliamentary system of governance was endorsed by Speaker Mohamed Nasheed of The Democrats (TD). MDP Parliamentary Group Leader, Mohamed Aslam, explained that TD’s proposal for a referendum was put forward because the party’s support held weight, despite their apparent opposition to MDP’s candidate and incumbent President Solih.

Members of the National Assembly contended that the majority of Maldives’ populace favours the presidential system, deeming the allocation of MVR 44 million on a referendum a misuse of state funds.

Following the speeches by National Assembly members, MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail presented a resolution on behalf of the secretariat, reinforcing the assembly’s stance. 

The resolution put forward makes it clear that if a structured vote is conducted, the parliamentary system will not garner support.

When the vote was called on the resolution, 90 MDP MPs firmly opposed the shift to a parliamentary system. 

In contrast, TD had previously passed a resolution advocating for a concealed vote to change the system, which was approved on the 20th of last month.

Following the passage of the resolution in Parliament, it was forwarded to the Election Commission of the Maldives (ECM). However, ECM responded with a request for clarification on the wording of the ballot paper question related to the proposed systematic vote.