President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has revealed on Friday that he is against the amendment proposed by a Jumhooree Party lawmaker to bar previous presidents from contesting in parliamentary elections.
With just a few months remaining for the parliamentary elections, Dhidhdhoo lawmaker Abdul Latheef Mohamed who recently joined Jumhoory Party (JP) submitted an amendment to the parliamentary election law, believed to be largely designed to prevent former president Mohamed Nasheed from running for parliament in April.
The lawmaker has thus far ignored pleas by his party to withdraw the amendment, forcing MDP to question the validity of the joint parliamentary group.
Speaking to the media after casting his vote at the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s parliamentary primaries, President Solih said it is unacceptable to obstruct the parliamentary elections in any way, and noted that it is unconstitutional to bar any individual from exercising their right to contest in elections. He further emphasized that the requirements for running for the parliament is clear in the constitution, and it should not be manipulated to marginalize certain individuals from running in the election.
MDP has voiced their concerns regarding the proposed amendment, believing the bill to be targeted at their leader, Nasheed. The party is adamant not to allow the amendment to be passed.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih speaking to media on 18th January outside Imaduddin School, where he cast his vote in party primaries - Photo: Ahmed Shurau / AVAS
