Shafiu says Speaker has given instructions to redraft transitional chapter

Chief Spokesperson of Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party (DRP) Ibrahim Shafiu has revealed that the Speaker of the Special Majlis Qasim Ibrahim has instructed Drafting Committee to redraft the Transitional Chapter drafted by the Drafting Panel of the Drafting Committee.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily Chief Spokesperson of DRP Shafiu said that draft chapter on Transitional Government does not give any consideration to the proposals made by the Members to the Majlis , as well as views expressed by Members on Majlis floor. As such a letter was sent by DRP expressing the party’s concern and dissatisfaction to the Speaker. According to Shafiu following the letter, a meeting was convened between the Majlis Administrative Committee, the speaker and the Chairman of the Drafting Committee and a decision has been reached to re draft the chapter.

“We welcome Speaker Qasim’s decision, we thank Qasim for his decision to respect the views and opinions of many members, if the drafts compiled by the drafting committee are based on everybody’s views then there will be no disputes on the Majlis floor and constitutional reform can be completed in no time” said Shafiu.

However Chairman of the Drafting Committee as well as MP for Male’ Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) said that the Speaker has not asked to redraft the chapter. In addition Ibra pointed out that Speaker does not have the authority to ask the Drafting Panel to re draft the Chapter and that he was confident that chair will not do such a thing.

“Previously the Panel have drafted chapters several times, for example Judicial Chapter was re drafted 10 times, drafting is long procedure and is not done in a single process, Panel may have draft a chapter 10 times”

Strong verbal exchanges are going on between DRP and Chairman of the Drafting Committee. Last week several news conferences were held by both parties. DRP has accused the Chairman of ignoring the DRP views and proposals while Chairman says their views were considered during the drafting process.

DRP’s main point of contest is the inclusion of formation of an interim government in the draft chapter. DRP has always maintained that the party will not support the concept of transitional government.