Former President Mohamed Nasheed stated on Wednesday that the amendment seeking to prevent former presidents from contesting for a parliament seat is unconstitutional.
Nasheed, who won main ruling party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s ticket to contest for the Macchangolhi Central constituency in the parliamentry elections said while speaking on a program aired by 'Raajje TV' that the time remaining to make such a move within the parliament is insufficient with the parliamentary elections looming ahead. It is highly unlikely that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih would ratify such a bill, even in the event it is passed by the Parliament, assured the former president.
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 on the matter, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih recently said 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.
People's Majlis
