Parties and civil societies support interim government

25 November 2007
Report: Soodh

Political parties and civil societies have expressed their support for an interim government in order to make the transition to the new constitution. They pledged their support during the meeting held at Dharubaaruge yesterday.

At the meeting held to discuss the guidelines proposed by Maldivian Democratic Party, MDP, in order to make the transition to the new constitution, participants called to establish an interim government and to conduct the affairs of the 2008 presidential elections under the interim government. The participants of the civil societies who spoke at the meeting noted that so far in Maldives, there has never been a fair and free election and as such the probability of having a fair and free election under the present government is nil.

Ex Attorney General Dr. Hassan Saeed, representing Open Society said that the government institutions are not independent and if the elections of 2008 are held without an interim government in place, then that election would be the most corrupt election ever held in the history of Maldives.

“If the elections are held without an interim government in place, then that election would be the most corrupt election ever to be held in Maldives, it is because the all of the government institutions are not free and independent, Auditor General and the Anti Corruption Board has never been independent, there is no financial control in Maldives, so when the power he held for 30 years is being taken away, he is bound to make mistakes, he will try to spend what little he has in order to be maintain his regime” said Dr. Hassan Saeed addressing the press at the meeting.

Chierf Spokesperson of Adhaalath, Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, speaking at meeting said that Adhaalath Party, in principle, supports the proposal of the main opposition Party.

“Although we support the proposal of MDP in principle, they are many details that require further thought both constitutionally and politically” said Chief Spokesperson Shaheem

He further said considering the past experiences it is impossible to hold a free and fair election. He said that the interim government should be controlled by independent people not affiliated to any party.

Speaking at the meeting, MDP President Dr. Munawar said that it is impossible to hold free and fair elections under the present system of government and stressed the importance of having an interim government to facilitate such an election.

Representatives of Civil societies also said that a free and fair election has never been held in Maldives and that if the election of 2008 is under the present government, that election can never free and fair. Societies said that they supported the MDP’s proposal in principle and pledged their support and assistance.

Yesterday’s meeting was participated by MDP, Adhaalath Party, Open Society, Hiyavahi Jamihyaa, Madulu Jamihya, Maldivian Media Association, Maldivian Aid Jamihyaa, Transparency Maldives, Muslimunge Gulhun and Strength of Society. MDP says Islamic Democratic Party and the soon to be registered Maldives Liberal Party both have in principle supported their proposal.