Thaa member Mohamed Shareef has severely criticized the endorsement of the parliamentary elections bill facilitating naturalized foreigners to contest parliamentary elections while the bill on naturalization of foreigners to Maldivian citizens has yet to be endorsed by the Majlis.
Speaking at the Majlis, yesterday, Thaa member Shareef said that it is difficult to accept foreign citizens having the opportunity of getting naturalized and contesting parliamentary elections while the bill on citizenship was thrown out of the Majlis floor.
Article 8 (b) of the General Elections Bill stipulates that any foreigner holding Maldivian citizenship for more than 5 years and living in Maldives can contest parliamentary elections.
MP shareef raised the question whether the Majlis can endorse the bill on parliamentary elections facilitating naturalized citizens to contest elections when no proper law on gaining citizenship has been passed.
He also highlighted that the bill is silent on the candidates’ credentials. He said that such an omission is not ideal and that candidates contesting such an important office, as representatives of the people, must possess certain academic qualifications.
Speaking at the Majlis, yesterday, Thaa member Shareef said that it is difficult to accept foreign citizens having the opportunity of getting naturalized and contesting parliamentary elections while the bill on citizenship was thrown out of the Majlis floor.
Article 8 (b) of the General Elections Bill stipulates that any foreigner holding Maldivian citizenship for more than 5 years and living in Maldives can contest parliamentary elections.
MP shareef raised the question whether the Majlis can endorse the bill on parliamentary elections facilitating naturalized citizens to contest elections when no proper law on gaining citizenship has been passed.
He also highlighted that the bill is silent on the candidates’ credentials. He said that such an omission is not ideal and that candidates contesting such an important office, as representatives of the people, must possess certain academic qualifications.
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