Adhurey: Yameen supports the people’s decision – a presidential system

People’s National Congress (PNC) leader Abdul Raheem Abdulla (Adhurey) said on Tuesday that the opposition leader, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom supports the decision made by the people in the 2007 constitutional referendum taken to decide a system of government in Maldives, and that Parliament Speaker, former President Mohamed Nasheed is ignorant as to the system he favors.

In an appearance on an episode of Ask Speaker on Monday night, Nasheed reiterated his support for a parliamentary system of government, and stated that as Yameen also supports the system, he believes Yameen and Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) will work together with Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to campaign for a parliamentary system in Maldives.

He also stated that he favors holding a constitutional referendum to decide on a parliamentary system next year.

“I don’t believe there’ll be a presidential election in Maldives. I believe President Yameen will work together with me to establish a parliamentary system in Maldives. And when the referendum is taken, I believe we can face the referendum with PPM and MDP together,” he said.

Responding to Nasheed’s comments in a tweet on early Tuesday, Abdul Raheem said Yameen supports the decision of the people, and that the people have decided on a presidential system.

“Speaker Nasheed is ignorant as to which system President Yameen supports,” said Abdul Raheem, former Fonadhoo MP.

He also added that Yameen should be allowed to complete in the presidential elections scheduled for 2023, and that it is what the people want.

On Monday’s Ask Speaker episode, Nasheed said he never wished ill for Yameen - who is serving a prison term for money laundering - and hopes for all political leaders to be able to participate in all national elections.

Several opposition politicians have hit back at Nasheed over his comments regarding Yameen.