Monday, October 15, 2007

PA‘s change will increase competition - Shafiu

15 October 2007

Chief Spokesperson of Dhivehi Rayithunge Party, DRP, Ibrahim Shafiu has said that the change of Peoples Association, PA, to a political party will create more competition in the political arena.

Shafiu made the statement while answering a question posed by Velidhoo on the talks spreading in town regarding PA’s forthcoming change. PA was formed by a group of ex DRP members who left the party because of their dissatisfaction of the party’s management.

Velidhoo posed the question to Shafiu that whether those members who left MDP to join DRP might join PA when PA changes to a political party and if so will if affect DRP in the forthcoming presidential elections. Shafiu replied that it will not have any affect.

He asks “if PA has any political future then why they have waited so long without making the change, why are those members waiting to see what will happen, if they are so capable politically why not join them and establish the party”.

Shafiu commenting on the forthcoming presidential elections said that his party, DRP, has the majority in parliament but he added that every member of the parliament is important.

“We have the majority in Parliament, we do not know the thinking of PA when they go for polls, there will be negotiations, I do not see how they can affect us as they do not have a clear majority like we have, what I am saying is they do not have enough majority to pressurize us to change our policies and strategies on the presidential elections” said Shafiu.

He further said during the recent public referendum on system of government PA was campaigning for parliamentary system but still that did not prevent DRP from wining their choice of government.

Shafiu however noted with revised constitution the parliament plays no role in electing a Leader.

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