Friday, March 14, 2008

Multiparty elections unlikely this year - Members

Many members of the Special Majlis have said that multiparty elections are an unlikely under the new constitution this year.

In a survey carried out by Miadhu Daily members are unanimous that such multiparty elections are unlikely this year under the new constitution. Many presidential hopefuls are rigorously carrying on their campaigning while political analysts are skeptical of having multiparty elections.

MP for Fuvahmulah Mohamed Ibrahim Didi (Modi) said that if DRP does not want to have multiparty elections this year then it will be so. He pointed out that DRP is the majority party of the Majlis and as such they control the Majlis. He said such multiparty elections can only be held when the majority party works jointly with the opposition to complete the constitutional reform.

“If DRP does not want to have multiparty elections then it cannot be done, they are the majority party, they control the Majlis, if they work to complete the reform process wholeheartedly then such elections are possible, otherwise it can’t be done this year” said Modi.

Ga Atoll Member Abdulla Jabir also voiced more or less the same opinion as Member for Fuvahmulah. According to MP Jabir he does not believe such multiparty elections can be held this year. Jabir said this year presidential elections are going to be under the current constitution and will be an affair as has been for the past 30 years where the Majlis elects a President and a yes or no referendum will be held for the public.
“As the constitutional reform is still not completed, I believe that multiparty elections cannot be held this year” said Jabir.

MP for Gdh Atoll Zahir Adam (Gahdhoo Zahir) also says that multiparty elections this year are unlikely and that a lot of work still needs to be carried out even after the completion of the constitutional reform for smooth multiparty elections.

“I am very certain that multiparty elections will not be possible on the date where the presidential election is to be held, it may be possible if the date is adjusted for a later time” said Zahir.

Speaking on the subject Ibra, MP for Male’ as well as a presidential contender representing Liberal Party said despite President Gayoom’s attempt to block the multiparty elections people of this country would hold the elections.

“Yes , multiparty elections will be held, people of Maldives will ensure elections are held , but President Gayoom will not like it, he is continuously trying to block the elections” said Ibra.

Regardless of what is being said by Ibra or by other members President Gayoom on several international and national occasions has reiterated his support and commitment to free, fair and open multiparty elections this year.

In contrast to Ibra’s views, the other MP representing Male’ Mohamed Shihab said that multiparty elections is possible only for the sake of having one.

“A multiparty election in name only can be held, but it won’t be free or fair “said Shihab. He said many still needs to be achieved after the constructional reform and prior to having elections.

“After the constitutional reform many bills have to endorsed by the Majlis under the new constitution, we have to achieve many things, supreme court, elections commission, civil service commission, yes a multiparty election in name only can be held” Shihab said.

MP for Addu Atoll Husnu Al Suood said that DRP would want to have multiparty elections this year. However DRP is attempting to reschedule some of the elections that need to be held prior to presidential elections, to be held after the presidential elections said Husnu Al Suood. In this regard he noted that if the Majlis elections, atoll and island council elections are rescheduled to be held after the presidential elections, then presidential elections held will be no different to the ones held in previous years.

MP for Laamu atoll Monaza Naeem said that he was hopeful of having multiparty elections while MP for Addu Atoll Ibrahim Shareef said multiparty elections will be held this year.

“There is no reason why such elections are not possible this year, Members who support transitional government do not want to have elections this year, they are trying to slow down the constitutional reform process, I am confident of having multiparty elections this year” said Shareef.

A key DRP member Legal Reform Minister Mohamed Nasheed in a recent news conference has said that the presidential elections this year will be an election where many parties compete as well being free, fair and open. He has said necessary bills to ensure such free and fair elections are being drawn up. He however said it was essential that constitutional reform be completed before the end of this month for smooth elections.
In general many members say that multiparty elections this year under the new constitutional is unlikely.

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