President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that he approves of the presidential candidate who receives over 50% of the votes to assume office. He made the remarks at a press conference held at the President’s Office.
The Constitution of the Maldives dictates that the president be elected by over 50% of the votes. However, Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has proposed that the constitution be amended to allow the candidate with over 30% of the vote to win the presidential election. The speaker said that a run-off election will be held between the two candidates who received the highest number of votes in the first round if no candidate obtains such a majority. He aims to propose the amendment at the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) congress to be held in August.
Responding to a question regarding Speaker Nasheed’s proposal, President Solih said that he does not approve of any presidential candidate who assumes office without receiving the majority of the people’s vote. He said that 30% is a low number of votes and that only a candidate who receives over 50% of the votes should become the president, as the individual should have the majority of the public’s approval.
Speaker Nasheed, who is the President of MDP, has said he will also propose other amendments to the constitution at the party congress, to establish a parliamentary system in the country. He said he will also propose changes to be made to independent institutions, set a term limit to the justices at the Supreme Court, and schedule a date to hold a referendum to establish a parliamentary system in the Maldives.