Gayoom running for Presidency is illegal- MDP

Senior officials of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have revealed that President’s intention to run for presidency would be against the constitution.

A news conference was held yesterday by MDP which was participated by chairperson Mohamed nasheed (Anni), President Dr.Mohamed Munawar and spokes person Mariya Ahmed Didi. They said if the limitations imposed for the submission of papers for the presidential candidacy by the revised Presidential Chapter in the new constitution is not applicable to President Gayoom then the purpose of amending the constitution will never be achieved. Further they revealed that President Gayoom’s intention to run for presidency is not acceptable to MDP and President Gayoom’s bid to get re-elected for a seventh term is against all democratic principles.

Speaking at the news conference chairperson Anni said that DRP’s presidential candidate do not fulfill the necessary prerequisites and if DRP is bringing out candidates who do not poses the prerequisites, then MDP might consider bringing in Bajaj, the famous hindi drama series star to represent MDP in the forthcoming elections.

“We started constitutional reform to bring certain changes, we can bring the changes, but these changes can only be brought without Gayoom” explained Anni. Anni further said he was sure people would give a lot of votes for Bajaj.

Maiya said the work to amend the constitution was commenced under the powers granted by article 92 of 1998 constitution, which empowers People’s Special Majlis to amend the constitution as necessary. She further said constitutional reform began as revision work to the existing constitution as instructed by President Gayoom.

“We say new articles and new constitution because it is easy to say while being fully aware that it is a revision work” said Mariya.

Considerable amount of debate now exist among parliamentarians and politicians as to whether the constitution is a new one or just a revised one.

According to Dr. Munnawar it is too early to talk about it. However if DRP is proposing President Gayoom as their presidential candidate then after due consideration MDP would take necessary steps. He further sad the matter should be first be checked by the commissioner of elections office.