President of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Dr. Mohamed Munnawar has said that the biggest change the revised constitution introduces is that the country’s President will elected by a direct vote of the people. Dr. Munnawar made the statement speaking at the meeting of the Dhekunu Arumaz held in Fuvahmulak last Friday night.
Speaking at the ceremony Dr. Munnawar said that the Alliance is talking about this forthcoming election unlike the previous presidential elections held in the country.
“We are now talking about electing the person in charge of the country, in charge of our affairs, that person has to come to us to get elected, they have to face the people before they can get elected, presidential candidates will have to come to the people and tell them how they will manage the country, what they will do for the people, how they will shape the future, and after listening to all of them, the people will vote for their candidate, that is what we are talking about” said Dr. Munnawar speaking at the meeting in Fuvahmulak held to gain support for an interim arrangement.
“Things were pretty much the same through 1950s to 1960s, after being changed to a republic, elections were held, but people could not vote for the person they wanted, there were no opportunity to get elected, drastic actions were taken against those who dared to contest” said Munnawar.
Dr. Munnawar said President Maumoon has been talking about reform since he came to power. He said President Maumoon in Presidential address given every year talks about reforms implemented.
“However the fact is that Maumoon Abdul Gayoom for the last 30 years has not brought any change to the system of government in the country, no change to the way the government is run, when Ibrahim Nasir was the President, he established certain procedures on the functioning of the government and till today the government is functioning according to those principles, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has not made any change to those principles during his 30 years in office” said Dr.Munnawar.
Dr. Munnawar further said although the country was transformed to a republic with promises of establishing a people’s government, it has not materialized. He said the Alliance was committed to establishing a people’s government.
“They do not understand what a government by the people means , they have no idea what a republic is, while we have established political parties to shape our government in a specific manner, we cannot achieve our goals if we allow them to be in charge of the presidential election this year” said Dr. Munnawar.
Providing the reasons for establishing a transitional government MDP President Dr. Munnawar said, the transitional government would manage the country until Presidential and Parliamentary elections are held and that officials of the transitional government should be affiliated to any party. He noted under such circumstances no party can exert influence over government employees, police or defense officers or even teachers.
Speaking at the meeting MP for Fuvahmulak said Alliance was talking about a government that has been in power for 30 years which has not done anything for the people.
Speaking at meeting member of Social Liberal Party as well as MP of the Special Majlis for Male’ Mohamed Nasheed (Colonel) said in some islands small groups of people were trying to obstruct the work of the Alliance and that these groups were being assisted by police officers. Colonel called on the people not to be intimidated and fully use their right of expression within the legal boundaries.
Members of Islamic Democratic Party (IDP), Adhaalath Party and New Maldives Movement also spoke at the meeting.
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