Bill on President: I can compete – DRP Leader

Leader of the Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said that amendment to the Bill on the President passed by the Special Majlis does not bar him from running for the presidency in the coming presidential elections. Leader of the Party Maumoon Abdul Gayoom said so last night speaking at the 27 General Assembly of the Party held at Kalaafanu School. He said that there was no confusion in the amendment. He said although some people are trying to create confusion over the matter there is no constitutional barrier that would prevent him from running for presidency and the he would compete for the presidency. He also noted that a leaflet would be given away to all the participants that would explain why there were no problems with his candidacy.

Leader of the DRP Maumoon said the amendment which fixed term of the office for the president was passed by DRP members only as the amendment was proposed by DRP and voted by DRP members.

“No other party voted on this issue, it indicates that the article was passed according to the policies of DRP that policy is as you all want that I compete in the presidential elections” said Maumoon.

The amendment proposed by the President’s Member to Special Majlis Mohamed Saleem to the article 2 of the Bill on the President was passed by 66 votes. The amendment says the term of the President is 5 years and that no person under this constitution shall serve more than 2 consecutive terms as the President.

Maumoon further said that as stipulated by party regulations the Presidential candidate of the party would be the Party Leader.

“So in principle, I will be the one representing the Party in the elections and with the support of the party members and the support of the people of the country, I will win the election” said Maumoon.

Maumoon speaking at the last night’s assembly passed this message to all his supporters. At the beginning of his speech last night, he strongly condemned the attack on himself at Huvarafushi and called it an act of terrorism. He also expressed his sincere gratitude for the people who had condemned the attack.

Maumoon further said that he escaped unhurt due to Almighty Allah providing the opportunity and circumstances for him to escape. He said such circumstances included the capabilities of Close Protection Team of the Maldives Defense Force and the courageous young Boy Scout Jaisham.

“Although I was able to get hold of the assailant’s hand, how I did it I still don’t know, it happened not because I was that alert, it was so willed by Allah” said Maumoon.

Maumoon further said the conspirators wanted to kill him. He also said that his resolve and determination is still the same and that he would still continue to meet the people and greet them. He also apologized for the inconvenience caused to the participants for having to make them go through a security gate.

All the participants of the last night’s assembly had to through a security gate and are believed to be due to Huvarafushi attack. Many noted that in previous meetings of the DRP such security measures were not in place.

In addition to the Party Leader, Ahmed Mahlouf, the President of the Youth Branch of the Party, Moosa Rameez, MP at the Special Majlis and Mohamed Saleem President’s Member at the Special Majlis also spoke.