MDP expecting a debate with DRP leader

09 August 2007
Report: Velidhoo Community
Courtesy: Miadhu News

MDP’s President Dr. Mohamed Munavvar has said that MDP will go to a second debate with DRP leader and that the party expects the debate takes place. In a press conference held yesterday, Dr. Munavvar said that it is possible if there is sincerity. “It will not be able to hold such a debate when it is only two days for the referendum. DRP wants to do things when there is no time. We have sent a request to them. No answer is given as yet. They might tell that they have not received any,” Dr. Munavar said.

Spokesperson of MDP, Maria Ahmed Didi said DRP leader saw that the easiest way is to make other people to do the preparation. This time we will do it at the top level. That is a debate with the leader of DRP. There is no other way presently. She said that the reason is time. “We wish to go for a debate at the top level. We also believe media can arrange for such a debate,” said Maria.

When it was asked DRP’s spokesman Ibrahim Shafiu whether a debate can be arranged with the leaders of the both parties, he said the party councillors have to make a decision for that.

Spokesperson of DRP Ibrahim Shafiu further said that there are conditions to be fulfilled before giving go-ahead. Providing details about those conditions Mr. Shafiu said that the environment should not be of humiliating and the audience has to be keen on getting information.

Haveeru is organizing a close door debate to aware public on the public referendum to be held on 18th August. In addition, Television Maldives and Voice of Maldives is also going to have debate on both system of government before the country goes for a referendum.

This time the debate will be carried between a panel consisting supporters of both the systems. The debate will be held at TVM studio. Journalists are allowed to question the panel members.

If the parties are not interested in the debate we will give the opportunity to the members of the parties to participate in the debate. The members will decide whether they will take part in the debate or not.