Having a minimum requirement for number of members in political parties is an obstruction of freedom: President Waheed

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that to decide to have a minimum requirement for number of members included in political parties would be an obstruction of the freedom to form political parties or freedom of association guaranteed in the constitution.

The president said this while speaking at a ceremony held last night to open Orchid Jagaha (hall) by Gaumee Itthihad, a party run under the president’s leadership.

The president said that the current constitution of the country gives people several and civilised rights, which means that deciding to have a minimum requirement for number of members included in political parties would be an obstruction of the freedom of association.

“The present constitution gives people the right to form political parties. So to restrict the number of members of political parties would be to obstruct ‘freedom of association’ I mentioned before. My policy is that political parties should be formed. Political parties are formed in other countries as well. Even big countries like the US have several small political parties,” the president said.

He said that the state does not have to use citizens’ money to spend on political parties, and that the state especially does not have to spend on political parties at a time when the country is facing economic difficulties.

The president has announced his decision to contest in the upcoming presidential election, however not indicated how he would approach it or which party he would represent.

He highlighted the importance of political parties forming coalitions, and said that considering the country’s experience and present political situation, it is not likely that one party will win the presidential election. He said that Gaumee Itthihad was not formed to progress and expand by itself and ignore other parties.

“Our party logo, holding hands, what does this represent? The name of the party, our nation, national coalition, the solidarity of our nation. From day one, our philosophy has been to work for the progress of the country by working peacefully as one. Our motto today is the same, the purpose of our party isn’t to facilitate progress for one person or just this party,” he said.

The president said that all political parties in the country were formed ‘around’ some one individual person, and that Gaumee Party was also formed similarly, around him. He said that this is not the best way, and that people are aware of this fact. He said that once parties are established, members of the party become a group of people who support a particular cause, and that parties in Maldives will develop to that level.

At last night’s ceremony, several senior officials of the government and renowned people in the country signed to join Gaumee Party. This includes Dr Fathin Hameed, Chairman of Transport Authority Abdul Rasheed Nafiz, CEO of MTCC Dr Ahmed Adham Abdullah, and the president’s former Spokesperson Abbas Adil Riza. A total of 13 people joined the party last night.

Gaumee Itthihad said that the jagaha that was opened last night will serve as the party’s location for holding political activities and efforts to increase membership. Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim, Vice President of PPM Ahmed Adheeb, Environment Minister Dr Mariyam Shakeela and several other senior government officials as well as members of the public participated in the event.