Press Secretary Zuhair has said that political parties must choose which system of government they want: either a presidential or a parliamentary system.
“Regardless of the system of government chosen, one thing remains clear: the chosen system must be allowed to function effectively,” said Press Secretary Zuhair.
Zuhair said that “technical issues” in the current constitution allowed a simple majority in parliament to effectively hold the executive to ransom.
“The Majlis is designed to be a check and balance on the power of the executive and it should hold the executive to account. But the constitution currently allows a simple majority in parliament to obstruct the core functions of the executive, such as raising taxes and providing subsidies," said the Press Secretary.
“This constitutional muddle is making it difficult to run the country,” added Zuhair.
"If political parties want a Presidential system of government, they must allow that system to operate effectively,” he noted.
"If the parties want a parliamentary system, then they must ask the people in a referendum, amend the constitution accordingly and hold fresh parliamentary elections,” said Zuhair.
“The President has said if political parties opt for a parliamentary system, he is also prepared to stand in the parliamentary elections that would ensue,” added Zuhair.
“MPs must not, however, try and create a parliamentary system by stealth through passing laws that grant them ever more power,” the Press Secretary said.
"What is of paramount importance is that we consolidate democracy in the Maldives. That is something the government is determined to see through," he stated.
