DRP to hold dialogue with parties on transitional govt.

16 December 2007
Report: Ayya

Chief Spokesperson of Dhivehi Rahyithuge Party (DRP) Ibrahim Shafiu has stated that DRP would hold consultations with other parties in order to reach a final decision on transitional government and that those parties engaged attempting to further the cause of transitional arrangement have no constitutional mandate to act in such a manner. Shafiu speaking on the transitional arrangements told Miadhu that the united opposition can only claim that it is the wish of the people only after a vote has been taken on the issue.

Shafiu said that united opposition speaks about three things in their campaign to obtain support for a transitional arrangement. They say that the present government is a failure; they claim that free and fair elections cannot be held without a transitional government and they also claim that a transitional government is what the people wants, Shafiu explained to Miadhu.

“How can they say it is what the people want, people indicate their wish on the system of government in a secret ballot, so they just cannot stop a government elected by the people without first checking how they stand on the issue, we have to first determine the people’s stand on the issue, an election can only be held once the constitutional reform is completed and independent organizations are established under the new constitution, an independent Commissioner of elections would have to be established, if that is the case, such an institution will be established under the Majlis that is currently in force, according to what they are saying even if constitutional reform is completed, new constitution cannot be implemented, if that is so then there is no use revising the constitution” said Shafiu.

Further Shafiu said even Dr. Hassan Saeed cannot say that it is the wish of the people and claim that the government has failed. Shafiu noted that in failed government people would not report to work everyday and if there is a failed government civil disturbances and rioting would be common day occurrences. Shafiu also noted that this was not the case as the people of Maldives were very satisfied.

Providing further information Shafiu said that DRP also believed in a transitional arrangement but that would depend on the discussions that take place in the Special Majlis.

“Government has been elected by the people in a secret ballot in accordance with the constitution, so the united opposition’s talk on a transitional arrangement and sharing power does not have any constitutional authority” said Shafiu.

Most of the political parties operating in Maldives have established a united front to further the cause of transitional government. The united front includes Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) Adhaalath Party and Liberal Party. In addition many NGO and civil organizations New Maldives Movement too have joined in the call for a transitional arrangement.