Political parties welcome Commonwealth offer

23 September 2007
Report: Soodh

Political parties have welcomed the offer of the Commonwealth to facilitate a conference between the main political parties and the Government to reach consensus on key issues to meet the deadline of 30 November 2007 for completion of the new constitution.

Speaking to Velidhoo Community, Islamic Democratic Party president Umar Naseer said that his party would welcome such a move provided that Commonwealth facilitates and acts as an observer in the process. However, he said that the party would oppose any involvement or interference of Commonwealth in the reform process.

Asadhullah Shaafee of Adhaalath Party said that if the government has welcomed the Commonwealth initiative for such a conference for a better outcome of the process, then the party is willing to provide all supports to meet the deadline. He also said that Adhaalath wants to finish the constitution as early as possible. Asadhullah also said that there is a lack of cooperation among Majlis members, which hinders the pace of the reform process and the constitution.

Male’ MP Mohamed Nasheed (Colonel) had a different view in which he said that all parties should not be involved in the process. He said that parties representing Special Majlis members must be invited.

Maldivian Social Democratic Party leader Reeko Ibrahim Manik said that his party is fully supportive of the reform process and would support to complete the constitution. If the government has taken initiative, we would support, said Reeko.

Maldivian Democratic Party Spokeswoman Maariya Ahmed Didi said that MDP will be fully supportive of the Commonwealth initiative and that the party would do everything possible to finalize the constitution. However, she said that government and DRP is not giving enough support to complete the task.

We were not able get any views from DRP. However, DRP leader President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has called upon all parties as well as DRP members in the parliament to complete the amendment of the constitution, at various meetings.

Ahmed Saleem, President of the Human Rights Commission of Maldives has also welcomed the involvement of the Commonwealth in the reform process, and voiced support for the Commonwealth offer to facilitate a conference between the main political parties and the Government.

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