DRP Deputy Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali has said that it is important for President Mohamed Nasheed clarify his statement to Maldivian people that he will be directly involved in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Speaking at a press conference held that main headquarters of DRP, Thasmeen said the President must make it clear to the Maldivian people what he meant. Thasmeen said the reason for this is, just as the president has said activities like campaigning for the upcoming parliamentary elections are going during the President’s visits to the atolls. He noted that such activities will not an issue if they are carried within the legal framework as specified in the constitution, in his capacity as a party chief.
However, Thasmeen pointed out that the President is engaging in campaign activities in his capacity as the country’s President, using state resources and finances. Thasmeen said that this makes it a big issue. He also said other government institutions must also do what ever they can to prevent the President from abusing his powers and taking the constitution in to his own hands. He reiterated that President Nasheed in his visits to the atolls are taking MDP candidates who are contesting the upcoming parliamentary elections and are actively seeking support for them. He said this should not be the case.
“What we are now is seeing is, President being accompanied by MDP candidates who are contesting the upcoming elections and their actions reveal that they are actively campaigning, this is not what it should be, and this is not acceptable either, if what he is meant to be an indicative of such actions, it will not be accepted by the people and it is certainly not the way of democracy either” Thasmeen said.
Speaking at a press conference held that main headquarters of DRP, Thasmeen said the President must make it clear to the Maldivian people what he meant. Thasmeen said the reason for this is, just as the president has said activities like campaigning for the upcoming parliamentary elections are going during the President’s visits to the atolls. He noted that such activities will not an issue if they are carried within the legal framework as specified in the constitution, in his capacity as a party chief.
However, Thasmeen pointed out that the President is engaging in campaign activities in his capacity as the country’s President, using state resources and finances. Thasmeen said that this makes it a big issue. He also said other government institutions must also do what ever they can to prevent the President from abusing his powers and taking the constitution in to his own hands. He reiterated that President Nasheed in his visits to the atolls are taking MDP candidates who are contesting the upcoming parliamentary elections and are actively seeking support for them. He said this should not be the case.
“What we are now is seeing is, President being accompanied by MDP candidates who are contesting the upcoming elections and their actions reveal that they are actively campaigning, this is not what it should be, and this is not acceptable either, if what he is meant to be an indicative of such actions, it will not be accepted by the people and it is certainly not the way of democracy either” Thasmeen said.
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