Presidential Candidate of the main opposition party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) has said that the new constitution ratified by President Gayoom last Thursday is a constitution that resulted from the protests and demonstrations of the people. Anni made the statement speaking at a ceremony held to mark the ratification of the new constitution at MDP Haruge on last Thursday night.
Speaking at the ceremony Anni said that the success or failure of the ratified constitution can be judged only after the forthcoming presidential elections and that if the presidential elections are held in a free and fair manner then the constitution can be considered a success.
Anni went on state that MDP’s main target during the entire constitution reform process was to ensure four main democratic principles. According to Anni the 4 main principles which MDP wanted the constitution to reflect are separation of powers, increasing the role of political parties in the government, separating business from the government and limiting the number of presidential terms. He further said the fact that these principles are reflected in the constitution is a clear indication of the people’s desire for change and reform.
Anni pointed out that so far all previous constitutions of the country were formed, amended or revised according to the wishes or the needs of the then leader or president with the sole aim of maintaining or prolonging his rule. He said the new constitution ratified last Thursday gives wider freedom and rights to the people as never before.
“MDP worked at changing the mindset of Gayoom’s supporters, I think we have achieved that very successfully, many of the Gayoom’s supporters will know what democracy means, what it stands for and who is working to introduce it to the country, they will now know it will be better to vote for MDP” said Anni.
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