Constitution does not allow existence of institutions not recognised by legitimate government: President

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that the constitution does not allow the existence of institutions which are not recognised by the current legitimate government of the Maldives.

Addressing the people of Hanimaadhoo last night as part of his current visit to Hdh. Atoll, the President expressed dismay that few people in the country do not recognise the current government. He noted that the councils and councillors should now accept that the constitution does not allow the existence of institutions which are not recognised by the current legitimate government.

He stressed the importance of council members in providing public services, and said that there are many public services which must be provided through councils, and that they can only be provided if the councils and council members cooperate with government institutions, ministries, and the President.

He assured that people in the islands will not be discriminated against based on which party they belong to. He will make efforts to provide all services equally to all citizens, regardless of their party, colour, or island.

The President said that since his assumption of office, he had been in discussions with all the active political parties in forming a National Unity Government. Noting that with the input from all parties, the nation’s affairs were being run very smoothly, the President said that MDP had also been offered to be part of his government, though the offer had not been taken up.

The President said that he does not wish for Aasandha system to function in a manner in which it benefits a certain group of people or encourages corruption, and that efforts are underway to revise the system such that it benefits all citizens.