Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) who was the chairman of the drafting committee of the constitution, says that the word coalition is not mentioned in the Constitution in any context or form.
Ibra made the comment on “coalition” following former Managing Director of STO, Hussain Amr’s suggestion that “coalition government” should be incorporated into law to dissolve governments formed by alliances when a partner pulls out.
Amr suggested that if a coalition partner withdraws support for any allied government, the administration should resign immediately paving the way for a change.
Ibra unambiguously responding to Amr said that the constitution “does not allow to make such a law”. He also believes that the “State is being destroyed” as politicians do not want to recognize the reality that the Constitution prohibits making such a law.
“The constitution does not know coalition (governments). Also, there is no role in the constitution for political parties”, said Ibra in his reply to Amr.
However, Ibra said that it is not unconstitutional to form coalition governments as the law does not clearly prohibit forming allied governments. Also, Ibra said that such coalitions should not expect to obtain additional powers through a separate law on coalition governments.
“The people vote for a person. Not to a party or a coalition”, Ibra made things clearer.
Amr was uncompromising on his idea and said that the change should be incorporated into the 15-year-old constitution.
Over the past several weeks, political parties from both the opposition and ruling sides have been in talks to form coalitions as the September presidential election is approaching.
The constitution of the Maldives, written over a period of 4 years, was completed in June 2008 and ratified by President Maumoon Abdul Qayoom on 7 August 2008.
The constitution introduced a whole new set of democratic rights, enshrined the separation of powers, and introduced mechanisms for accountability and transparency.
Ibra made the comment on “coalition” following former Managing Director of STO, Hussain Amr’s suggestion that “coalition government” should be incorporated into law to dissolve governments formed by alliances when a partner pulls out.
Amr suggested that if a coalition partner withdraws support for any allied government, the administration should resign immediately paving the way for a change.
Ibra unambiguously responding to Amr said that the constitution “does not allow to make such a law”. He also believes that the “State is being destroyed” as politicians do not want to recognize the reality that the Constitution prohibits making such a law.
“The constitution does not know coalition (governments). Also, there is no role in the constitution for political parties”, said Ibra in his reply to Amr.
However, Ibra said that it is not unconstitutional to form coalition governments as the law does not clearly prohibit forming allied governments. Also, Ibra said that such coalitions should not expect to obtain additional powers through a separate law on coalition governments.
“The people vote for a person. Not to a party or a coalition”, Ibra made things clearer.
Amr was uncompromising on his idea and said that the change should be incorporated into the 15-year-old constitution.
Over the past several weeks, political parties from both the opposition and ruling sides have been in talks to form coalitions as the September presidential election is approaching.
The constitution of the Maldives, written over a period of 4 years, was completed in June 2008 and ratified by President Maumoon Abdul Qayoom on 7 August 2008.
The constitution introduced a whole new set of democratic rights, enshrined the separation of powers, and introduced mechanisms for accountability and transparency.
