Maldivians abroad must be able to vote: Human Rights Commission

12 August 2007

Human Rights Commission of Maldives, HRCM has said Maldivians abroad must be able to exercise their right of voting.

HRCM in a press release has said there is a large number of Maldivians living abroad, and they must be able to vote in national elections. The Commission has stated the referendum on 18 August 2007 is a very important vote which will lay a strong foundation of a liberal and true democracy in the country, therefore all Maldivians above the age of 18 years must be given the opportunity to cast their votes. Human Rights Commission of Maldives has appealed to all Maldivians above 18 years to vote in the referendum as stipulated in the Regulation on the Referendum.

"Voting is one of the fundamental political rights of the people in a democracy and it is also a responsibility of the people. Every election would reflect the wish of the people and the objective of an election can be achieved if it is conducted freely and fairly without undue influences" the statement said. The release further said the referendum is very important for everyone and for the future of the country, therefore all eligible voters must participate in the vote.

The Human Rights Commission further said it is concerned about the volatile situation in the country which might result in some implications to the referendum. The Commission requested all concerned to ensure necessary arrangements are made to respect the rights of the people and facilitate free and fair voting to avoid any problems.

Human rights Commission said the Commission would observe the referendum in Male' and 10 atolls. However, it is reported that foreign observers are not coming to monitor the referendum contrary to the recommendation made by the People's Special Majlis.

Elections Commissioner's Office has also informed they have not arranged for Maldivians living abroad to vote in the referendum. The Office said there was no mention of this in the Regulations passed by the Majlis.

The Hindu newspaper has recently reported more than 5,000 Maldivians living in Thirivanandhapuram in India want to participate in the referendum. But the Maldivian Consul in that city Abdul Latheef Gasim has said his office has not received such requests. However, many Maldivians in Colombo, Thirivanandhapuram, Chennai, Bangalore, London, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur have requested to provide them facilities to vote in the referendum according to informed sources.

The referendum on next Saturday will decide whether the country will have a presidential system or parliamentary system of government when the new constitution is passed. The ruling Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party, DRP together with five other parties are campaigning hard for a presidential system while opposition MDP and PA are supporting for a parliamentary system. The country last had a referendum in 1968 when the people voted to abolish a monarchy and go for mixed presidential system. Maldives had two presidents since then, former President Ibrahim Nasir who served two terms for 10 years. President Gayoom who assumed office in 1978 is now serving his 6th term and has announced he will stand for re-election in 2008. He has also said he wants to serve another full term in order to complete his reform agenda.

Two senior ministers who were in the forefront with President Gayoom in the reform agenda, Attorney General Dr. Hassan Saeed and Justice Minister Mohamed Jameel resigned from their posts on August 5 alleging President's reform agenda has failed and President's decision to be re-elected for a new term is against the spirit and objective of the reform agenda. The sudden resignation of the two ministers shocked the country and posed a serious challenge to the President.

Report: Velidhoo Community