Former Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi has asserted that the referendum regarding the constitutional amendment to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day is unconstitutional. He emphasized that such amendments, introduced through extraordinary sessions of the Parliament, lack legal validity. Furthermore, he claimed that the phrasing of the question posed by the President does not align with the framework envisioned by the Constitution.
However, while the power to amend the Constitution is vested in the Parliament, it is mandatory to seek public opinion through a referendum on specific matters. The response from the citizens would clarify their consent or objection to the proposed changes. In light of Dr. Didi’s criticisms, it is noteworthy that he was previously removed from office by the Parliament due to certain orders issued during his tenure and allegations of legal violations. Given that he remained silent on several major constitutional amendments in the past, some observers perceive his current stance as being driven by political motives.
