Alliance to propose transitional Bill

National Unity Alliance has revealed its plans to propose a draft Bill on the transitional government and a media freedom bill in connection to 2008 budget to the Special Majlis.

At the meeting of the Alliance held yesterday night senior official of the Social Liberal Party Hassan Latheef held a presentation on the transitional government.

According to the presentation the President of the transitional government should not belong to any political party and should be appointed by the interim parliament. The period of the transitional government, as per the presentation, should extend until the presidential election is held. In this regard the Majlis is to 2 members from each political party currently not represented in the Special Majlis, current cabinet ministers included in the Special Majlis and all other members of the Special excluding the 16 Members appointed by the President. The period of the interim Majlis is to extend until the election of Members to the Majlis under the new constitution and interim Majlis is to be dissolved when the newly elected Members are sworn in. According to the draft proposed by the Alliance, except for the current Human Rights Commission and the Civil Service Commission, all other independent commissions and offices including Chief Justice as well as Atoll Chiefs are to be appointed by the interim Majlis. The period of the offices is to be until the appointment of new Members to their positions under the new positions. The Alliance revealed this draft proposal would be submitted to the Majlis through the Members affiliated with the Alliance.

Dr. Mohamed Munnawar President of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) said that Alliance would also propose two other important issues to the Majlis. They are freeing the national TV and national radio from government influences, and to free other media outlets from undue government influence and pressure.

Many other leaders of the Alliance voiced their dissatisfaction and protested strongly on the ongoing President’s visit to the atolls. They said these visits are not conducted with the aim of assessing the condition of the people and that President Maumoon is merely conducting a campaign for the presidential elections scheduled for this year using state resources.

The Alliance at last night meeting called on the government for an independent commission to monitor how the 2008 budget is utilized.

Large crowds gathered to support the Alliance last night.