The main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s National Assembly has passed a resolution opposing a shift to a parliamentary system of government.
The Democrats, formed by former MDP members who left the party due to differences, had asked the MDP to conduct a referendum on changing the Maldives' government system. At the National Assembly held Tuesday, the MDP sought the views of National Assembly members on the matter and took a vote. All 90 members present at the time voted against transitioning from a presidential to a parliamentary system.
During the assembly, all members, except for Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla Jabir, voiced their opposition to a parliamentary system. They emphasized that the people had chosen Dr. Mohamed Muizzu as the country's president on September 30 and that the MDP should respect the people's decision. These are the very principles of democracy that the party has always advocated for, they said,
Some speakers noted that Parliament Speaker and former MDP President Mohamed Nasheed had worked against the MDP during the presidential election. They called for finding a way forward without Nasheed's influence.
