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Shaheed Zaki Says Saturday Is A Referendum On Gayoom |
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| Written by Ajay Makan, on 16-08-2007 20:37 |
Shaheed Zaki, the independent MP whose Special Majlis motion last year set the Maldives on the path to Saturday’s constitutional referendum, has lashed out at the government and opposition for “hijacking” the vote.
Zaki says voters are being prevented from making an “informed decision on what their preferred system of government would be,” because the government and opposition are, “using this referendum as a benchmark of their popularity.”
In an interview with Minivan News he criticised both parties for making exaggerated claims about their preferred system of government, and said his motion anticipated the eleven member committee would be in charge of disseminating information.
Zaki also criticised President Gayoom and cabinet ministers for turning their backs on previous support for the parliamentary system. Conversely opposition MPs, such as Husnu al Suood, have been criticised for advocating a parliamentary system, having backed a presidential system in the past.
With two days till the referendum Shaheed Zaki has also given voice to the unspoken assumption in the Maldivian political community, that Saturday’s vote is a referendum on President Gayoom.
“[If the] Parliamentary System gets a majority it would reflect the extent to which the public want a change in the 29 year old Government. On the other hand, if the Presidential System prevails, this would show the immense support and faith in the existing Government and its leaders.” Courtesy: Minivan News
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