Early election cannot be held unless it is agreed upon by parties represented in the Parliament: Dr Didi

Maldivian Democratic Party President Dr Ibrahim Didi has said that an early election cannot be held unless it is agreed upon by all parties represented in the Parliament.

Speaking on DhiFM One to One program yesterday, Dr Didi said that an early election cannot be held just because it is desired by one party:

“There may be a chance of an early election if all parties agree to it. However if such an agreement is not reached, and one party wants to hold an early election – I don’t see any chance for that,” Didi said.

He said that in order to hold an early election which allows a presidential term of five years, the Constitution must first be amended, and this amendment can only be made with the agreement of the parties represented in the Parliament:

“To hold an election which allows a five year term, the Constitution must be amended. No change can be made to the Constitution without the support of two-thirds of the Parliament. This majority cannot be reached if even one party is against it,” Didi said.

However, chief leader of MDP and former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that the government was changed by a coup, and things will not calm down until an election is held, and MDP will do everything possible to make an early election possible.