The Jumhooree Party’s (JP) departure from the Progressive Coalition causes no loss to the government, says Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) leader and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
Arriving in Malé after attending an environmental forum in New Delhi, Gayoom told media that the current government remains “strong and steadfast”.
“Initially, we had a coalition between three political parties, now there is one between two. The coalition with JP broke apart due to some disagreements that arose a while ago. However, the coalition with MDA [Maldives Development Alliance] remains very strong,” he said.
The JP has today responded by suggesting that the PPM leader was unwilling to see violations committed by the ruling coalition.
The party officially joined the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) last week, after having officially left the coalition, though relations with the PPM were effectively severed in May last year.
After describing the opposition’s claims to be defending the Constitution as laughable last week, Gayoom again criticised the agreement.
“If they claim to be protecting the Constitution, then they must also tell us exactly how the incumbent government has acted against the Constitution. They haven’t been able to do so. The truth is, they don’t really have much of essence to say about this,” he told media.
The former 30-year ruler asserted that the administration of his half-brother Abdulla Yameen respects the Constitution, rejecting claims that the replacement of the auditor general last October, and the dismissal of two Supreme Court judges in December, was unconstitutional.
He insisted that those actions cannot be described as undermining the Constitution, as they were taken “lawfully through the establishment of laws”.
“These laws are made in ways that the Constitution allow us to. We can’t make any laws that go against the Constitution, as the contradicting clauses will themselves become void. So these actions were conducted in accordance with what the Constitution stipulates,” he explained.
Doesn’t want to see: JP
JP Spokesperson Ahmed Sameer has subsequently dismissed Gayoom’s comments, stating that the current government’s unconstitutional actions are “apparent for all to see”, suggesting that Gayoom chooses not to acknowledge them.
“Gayoom sees them, knows about them, and is deliberately using the majority that the PPM currently has to undermine the rights of the people,” alleged Sameer.
“We citizens should be deeply concerned if a man who ruled for such a long time cannot even recognise violations of people’s rights while it is happening right in front of him”.
He went on to give various instances in which the party believes the government has acted unconstitutionally.
“One of the first statements by the President’s Spokesperson was a justification of why President Yameen did not mention the judiciary in his presidential address in the parliament. He then said that the judiciary is absolutely strong and without fault. Why then did he bring such a major change to such a solid institution later on?” asked Sameer.
The spokesman went on to say that, when deciding which two judges to remove from the Supreme Court bench, the government had dismissed two of the judges most trusted by the public, while allowing a “disgraced judge” to remain in position.
He also pointed to the proposed constitutional amendment submitted to parliament, seeking to restrict persons over 65 years of age from running for presidency.
“The constitution clearly states that any citizen can run for an elected position. How then can this amendment be in accordance with the law?” he asked.
“It is a deeply concerning matter that Gayoom is turning a blind eye to the atrocities against the Constitution being committed by the rule of his party,” Sameer concluded.
The Progressive Coalition currently controls 49 of the Majlis’ 85 seats, while the opposition alliance – which has pledged to work together both inside and outside the Majlis – has a combined 34 MPs.
Related to this story
Gasim defiant as opposition sign agreement to defend Constitution
Opposition alliance a “waste of time”, says Gayoom
Judiciary excluded from presidential address due to Yameen’s trust in the institution
Majlis removes Chief Justice Ahmed Faiz, Justice Muthasim Adnan from Supreme Court
(0)Dislikes
(0)Related Posts
Progressive coalition will dissolve if Gasim runs for speaker, says PPM- Rifts in government coalition over proposed budget
- JP to sue three MPs for switching parties
- Nasheed alleges President Yameen “remains under power” of Gayoom
- Political parties remain deadlocked over majlis committee composition
- Home Minister Umar Naseer to run for presidency in 2023
JP defection is a win to the Gov since the demands from Gasim no longer is required to oblige
The loss of JP renders the regime totally illegitimate whatever Gayyoom says. Without JPs support PPM had no chance of coming to power. Can Mr Gayyoom deny that?
Gayoom hurihaa duvahaku, Dhivehinnakah faagathi kamenth nethay??? Mi balaaverikamun Salaimath vaan vejje noon.
Is JP is a real party or a one man puppet show…?
Does puppet shows scare you?
Surprise surprise Gayoom is back in control (or did he ever actually give it up) back again to a ruling of a dictator once more~
He never left, remember it was he and his party that rewrote the constitution to ensure it plays in favour of his royal highness of corruption.