Maldives limits Presidential terms

Maldives Special Majlis has made a landmark decision not to allow more than two terms to any person to be president of the country. The article proposed by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's ruling Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party, DRP was passed with 66 votes in favor while 18 members voted against it. The article which states that the term of the presidency is five years and no person can serve as president more than 2 terms under what the article said "this constitution". DRP's amendment would mean that President Gayoom who was elected for five terms under the present constitution, can seek two more terms under the new constitution.

But, opposition MDP and others shouted jubilant cheers once the amendment was passed, saying that President Gayoom cannot seek any more terms as the article was referring to the present constitution which they say is being amended. Points of order were raised on this and Speaker Gasim Ibrahim referring to the Standing Order of the Majlis said the Majlis is revising the current constitution. Some DRP members including Information Minister Mohamed Nasheed and Attorney General Azima Shukoor challenged this ruling.

DRP was also very jubilant about receiving a good majority for the important amendment which they are sure is very clear and does not need any clarification. They celebrated the event in Male' and in Atolls congratulating President Gayoom for the important decision made by the Special Majlis which will enable President to serve them for 2 more terms. “This is a great victory for us; this is a victory for the people." some said. Supporters of DRP published congratulatory messages and exchanged messages among members and people to express their happiness.

MDP and other opposition are also marking the amendment as a victory for them. Their supporters also celebrated the important decision which they say will usher in a new leadership and democracy in the country. “This is a moment of great joy. This is the end of Gayoom's rule. We can be happy today. There is no way that Gayoom can become president any more. DRP has suffered this because of its own doing. We are well prepared for this self defeat of DRP." a MDP member said.

The issue is not going to be easy. It will become a major constitutional test. Speaker Gasim also said that the Supreme Court will make a final verdict. A supreme court is one of the independent institutions to be set up for the implementation of the constitution

President Gayoom has last year announced he will stand for re-election in the presidential elections this year. Opposition MDP joined by some other parties has forged an Alliance to challenge the President calling him to step down and form a transitional government which will not include any one running for presidency. DRP has rejected this and has said they are working on other transitional arrangements. Meanwhile MDP has proposed a transitional chapter for consideration of the Special Majlis.