Speaker of the abolished People's Special Majlis and former Finance Minister Gasim Ibrahim has said the Constitution ratified on Thursday is a revised Constitution as the Ratification Decree of President Gayoom mentioned it was a revised Constitution, and in any legal context the Constitution cannot be considered as a new Constitution.
Gasim was speaking at a news conference of the new Jumhoory Party, (JP) held with their new members most of who are members of the People's Majlis and the abolished Special Majlis. Gasim said the ratification Decree read by Meemu Member Aneesa Ahmed clearly stated President requested the Special Majlis to amend the Constitution.
“It is not a problem even if he says it is a new Constitution. According to the Constitution, we can amend an article, a chapter or the whole Constitution. This is what is stated in the Rules of Procedure of the Special Majlis. For that reason when we have amended the whole Constitution, let anyone say what he wants" Gasim elaborated. Gasim and other members who joined JP said a decision whether it is a revised Constitution or new Constitution will have to be made by the Supreme Court formed in the transitional process.
Earlier Minister of Legal Reform Mohamed Nasheed has said we will need to seek the decision of the Supreme Court in regard the meaning of the Constitution where there is a legal dispute or controversy. Nasheed has opined it is a new Constitution as it was compiled anew. Opposition members however continue their argument it is a revised Constitution, and is it the spirit and objective of the whole reform process and Constitution. Hence if the Supreme Court decides it is a revised Constitution, anyone who has served 2 five year terms as President cannot take the post in future
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