Former President Mohamed Nasheed’s Democrats have resolved to join forces with other political parties and organizations to ensure government accountability. This decision was made during the party’s 11th National Assembly meeting last Thursday, where a resolution was introduced by Vice President Mohamed Shifaz.
The resolution outlines several reasons for this initiative:
- As an opposition party, the Democrats seek to hold the government accountable for actions perceived as harmful to the nation and its citizens, performed either negligently or deliberately.
- The government’s unfulfilled promises and breach of commitments.
- Actions that adversely affect the national economy and finances, alongside increasing corruption and theft within the government.
- The weakening of the democratic framework established by the Constitution, with state institutions being altered to consolidate presidential control, making abrupt constitutional changes that reduce public empowerment, and obstructing mechanisms for government accountability.
The Democrats assert that such conduct is unbecoming of a responsible government, suggesting it is carried out with ill intent or purposefully. Thus, they believe it is incumbent upon political entities and citizens to steer the government back on course.
The resolution affirms the Democrats’ commitment to collaborate with any political parties or organizations willing to enhance efforts in holding the current administration accountable and aligning it with its duties.
Furthermore, due to a recent constitutional amendment, any parliament member who leaves or is expelled from their party and joins another will forfeit their seat. In light of this change, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) adopted a resolution at its National Council meeting on December 10th, which includes collaboration with other political parties among various other initiatives.
