President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has underscored it is against the basics of democracy to obstruct an individual from competing in an election. The president made the remark in the wake of a bill submitted to the Parliament seeking to ban former presidents from competing in parliamentary elections.
Speaking to media after voting in the primary of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) held on Friday, President Solih stated any action that may obstruct an individual from contesting in an election is unacceptable.
Noting the constitution clearly states the criteria for a person competing in specific elections, President Solih said if an individual meets the criteria, it is against the constitution to obstruct them by confronting new conditions.
Speaking regarding the MDP primary elections, the president expressed holding primaries is a practice of developing democracy in Maldives, adding it also gives an opportunity for the public to express their rights. He further said the positive results of the primary elections will be seen in the forthcoming Parliament.