Major political parties in the country have refuted claims by the Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed about changing the system of governance from a presidential system to a parliamentary system.
Nasheed had yesterday claimed that the parties had agreed to hold a referendum to change the system in 2023.
But when "The Press" had questioned PPM, JP, Adhaalath party, MRM, and MNP, all five had said that they had not agreed as such.
Leader of the opposition coalition and President of PNC Abdul Raheem Abdullah had said that the opposition coalition had not agreed to change the system nor has it had any discussion with the former President Nasheed.
Meanwhile, Jumhooree Party Spokesperson Ali Salih said that his party had made any such agreements and that JP leader Gasim Ibrahim had agreed to anything with Nasheed.
Adhaalath also refuted claims of such an agreement when its spokesperson Ali Nazeeru said that for the party it's more important that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih fulfill his pledges before the 2023 elections rather than a system change.
The party said that although it had not yet agreed on changing the system, the party is ready to enter into discussions if the public wants to change the current system.
Newly formed MNP's President and MP for Dhagethi Constiteucny Mohamed Nazim denied Nasheed's claim outright. He said that his party had not agreed to change the system but agreed that some amendments must be brought to the constitution.
Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's Maldives Reform Movement, MRM said that it had not been involved in such discussions nor had it proposed such a change.
The talk of a system change made headlines after Nasheed had several high-profile meetings with politicians upon return to the Maldives after recuperating abroad following the failed attempt on his life earlier this year.
He had met President Ibrahim Solih, along with JP Leader Gasim and leaders of MNP, PPM, and PNC.
