The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Alhan Fahmy has decided to contest the Addu Atoll Feydhoo constituency as an independent candidate following the party’s decision not to invalidate primary results despite irregularities.
Meanwhile, the MDP’s deputy parliamentary group leader MP Abdulla Jabir has been granted the party ticket again after the party’s appeals committee invalidated the disciplinary committee’s decision to retract the ticket.
The MDP held primaries in 56 constituencies to determine candidates for the People’s Majlis in late January. The party ticket was awarded to 29 candidates by default.
The MDP’s primaries have been marred by allegations of irregularities, but the election committee has said none of the complaints effect the results.
Feydhoo constituency
Alhan lost the party ticket to Mohamed Nihad on January 31, winning only 154 votes to Nihad’s 316. Shortly after results were announced, Alhan said he did not accept the results and said that polling had proceeded on an outdated voters list.
The election committee has confirmed 67 members were missing from the list at the ballot box, but decided not to hold a re-vote, arguing the primary outcome would not change even if the 67 members were allowed to vote.
Alhan was stabbed in public on February 1 and is currently receiving treatment at Colombo’s Central Hospital.
Speaking to local media, Alhan said: “I do not believe MDP’s decisions are very just at the moment. That is why I have decided to contest as an independent. Certain people are influencing the MDP’s decisions.”
Family members have said Alhan intends to challenge the MDP’s decision at the Elections Commission and the Civil Court as soon as he returns to Malé.
Despite expressing concern that Alhan may not be able to walk yesterday, family members have now said doctors believe Alhan will regain the full use of his legs. Doctors have not yet, however, detected any movement in his right leg yet.
“Doctors say it will take him some time to walk after the operation. They say that leg will get better. It is [paralysed] due to damage to the backbone. It will take some time for my brother to walk,” Alhan’s brother Azban Fahmy has said.
In addition to Alhan, primary candidate in Baa Atoll Kendhoo constituency Mauroof Zakir has also alleged irregularities in the MDP’s Majlis primaries.
Kaashidhoo constituency
The MDP’s disciplinary committee on January 26 retracted Jabir’s party ticket after he violated a three-line whip and voted for President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s cabinet.
Jabir had won the ticket by default due to a lack of contenders.
The committee also stripped Jabir of his position as deputy parliamentary group leader and asked him to issue a public apology. The appeals committee said Jabir had also violated a three-line whip on the day following the cabinet approval vote by rejecting the Penal Code.
The MDP then called for new applicants for the constituency, and had scheduled a primary for this evening.
Jabir subsequently appealed this decision with the MDP’s appeals committee, claiming the disciplinary committee’s verdict was “authoritarian and discriminatory”.
A majority of the six member appeals committee ruled today that under Article 113 of the MDP constitution, the disciplinary committee could only issue a warning, levy a fine, and suspend or revoke party membership. It could not revoke a party ticket, the ruling said.
Further, under the MDP Parliamentary Group’s rules of procedures, the group’s deputy leader could only be removed from his position after a no confidence motion within the group.
Jabir has now been reinstated to the position, and primaries for the Kaashidhoo constituency have been called off.
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I don't what the f**k is MDP doing they stood against the coup and back the Party ticket back to the people voted the coup.
I admire the courage Alhan is showing, best of luck man.
I detest Jabir, sadly Jabir is getting a free ride, I think it's quite evident he isn't really a MDP man, he will prostitute around.
@Mohamed Naseem
Essentially MDP is just as corrupt as the other parties. But the fact is MDP is the lesser evil amongst all other parties.
Politics in the Maldives is becoming ever more detached from public opinion.
In the period between 2003-2008 public support was vital in forcing Qayyoom's hand, energizing Parliament debates and filling up seats at rallies. But the reality is that Maldivian politicians had always resented having to answer to public opinion.
Following the clash between political interests that led to the paralysis of the state machinery and Nasheed's subsequent resignation, public opinion has become ever more irrelevant to political parties and their leadership. Money politics fuelled by poverty and a weak education system is slowly eroding the gains we made early on (however small they may be).
Signs of the failure of public opinion to influence policymakers:
1. The continued presence of Ali Hameed on the Supreme Court bench.
2. The perpetuation of a failed and unpopular local governance system.
3. The farce that was our 2013 presidential election.
4. Actor Ali Seezan's appointment to the post of Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture.
5. Parties appointing candidates to contest parliament seats without a primary.
6. The growing prominence of under-achievers whose only accomplishment is their close relationship with party leaders.
7. The complete failure to hold the security forces accountable for impunity, corruption and close ties with criminals.
8. The failure of the health sector to reform its services in a patient-friendly manner.
Jabir has nowhere else to go. There's no other party that will take him, so he's stuck with MDP for better or worse. He may in fact be a double agent inside MDP working for whoever is paying him (or settling his massive debts). Will he regain his constituency? Don't think so.
As for Alhan, wish him a speedy recovery in whatever form. The fact that he is alive is a miracle, since this was an attempt on his life. Will the Maldives Police Service find the criminals and more importantly convict them? Don't think so either. The powerful men behind these crimes are in high places and untouchable.
hehe
One has to admire Jabir, by what ever measure one uses.Its now abundantly clear that jabir holds some kind of a 'niche' in MDP…
.. video taken in Italy perhaps..
Many thinks Jabir is the way to go.... in this dog eat dog world, lets see how the voters decide. As for Alhan, he will get the sympathy vote & win.