MP Shihab calls for boycott of elections

MP for Male’ Mohamed Shihab has called on opposition parties to boycott the forthcoming presidential elections if the proposed amendments to the Civil Service Act by the government are endorsed by the Majlis. He made the call speaking at the Majlis session held yesterday.

Speaking at the Majlis yesterday Mohamed Shihab said the proposed amendment by the government to the Civil Service Act does not reflect the principles of the constitution.

“If the proposed amendments are endorsed then the forthcoming elections cannot be either free or fair, these amendments are politically motivated” said Male’ MP Shihab.

Responding to opposition claims regarding the failure of the government to consult the Civil Service Commission, Legal Reform Minister Mohamed Nasheed said that in order to discuss the amendment of the Civil Service Act, Dr. Mohamed latheef President of the Civil Service Commission was contacted twice and that he failed to respond. He pointed out that the Bill was proposed by then State Minister Ahmed Nazim and supported by the then Home Minister.

“I did ask Dr. Latheef for a meeting to hold discussions on the subject several times but every time it was turned down, Dr. Latheef said that there was no need to discuss the Bill with him as he was there only to administer it once passed and that his views and opinion was not required to amend the Bill. Political thinking last year was to support the Bill and get the Majlis endorsement and to incorporate the amendments at the earliest” said Minister Nasheed.

Opposing the amendments MP for Thaa Atoll as well as President of the MDP Parliamentary Group Hassan Afeef said that he will not support the amendments and pointed out that it was politically motivated designed to keep a specific person in power.

Supporting the amendments President’s member Fathin Hameed said every amendment proposed protects specific rights of the people including several basic rights.