PPM to propose referendum on death penalty

Ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has revealed that the party is considering to propose a resolution to the parliament to conduct a public referendum on the implementation of the death penalty in the Maldives.

PPM Spokesperson Galolhu-south MP Ahmed Mahloof said at a press conference today that the party has already held discussions with the Elections Commission and that the commission is willing to conduct the vote.

Article 70 (b) (6) of the Constitution states that under the law-making powers of the parliament, the parliament has the power to hold public referendums on issues of public importance.

Mahloof said PPM will start to gather signatures for the referendum resolution to today and that the party will propose to hold the referendum jointly with the parliamentary election, which has been scheduled for 22 March.

Maldives should not succumb to international pressure to withhold the death penalty, Mahloof said. The country has maintained a moratorium on the penalty for over 50 years.

“I don’t think the country should face devastation by giving in to international influence,” Mahloof said.

He said that PPM is confident that the public will support the implementation of the death penalty according to Sharia law. If the MPs are loyal, parliament will pass the resolution to conduct a referendum, MP Mahloof said.