Mauritanian president conducts a referendum over amendments

Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz decided to conduct a referendum on the constitutional amendments he proposed despite their rejection from the Senate. He said that his decision came upon visions adopted by legal experts who do not have any formal positions in the government. He added that he does not leave the destiny of the country in the hands of 33 members of the Senate.

According to sources, Minister of Justice Ibrahim Ould Dada performed a major role to convince the Mauritanian president to take the step.

The Mauritanian president added, in a press conference, that he agreed with the opposition parties to turn to the referendum, as he abandoned the sharpness that characterized his speeches, and did not accuse the leaders of his party who rejected the amendments of treason. He added that he will not leave the country after the end of his presidential term, saying that he will resume working in politics.

He compared between the position adopted by the Senate on one hand and the National Assembly, saying that 121 members of the National assembly passed the constitutional amendments. He stressed that the members of the National Assembly came through the ballot boxes in public elections, while the members of Senate came through the provincial council.

The Mauritanian president renewed his confidence in his government and political majority ruling the country. He was keen to express appreciation to the Armed Forces and security forces, saying that the military institution is the source of force in the country. He stressed that the Mauritanians consider the military institution as their last hope.

He stressed his refusal to any attempt to insult the Mauritanian army, saying that the political movements were ruling the country during the so-called military rule, saying that he managed to undermine the influence of political movements and saved the country from them.

He added that he will not call for any dialogue with the Mauritanian opposition, while his will keep his door open for any party aspiring to hold talks with him over the country’s affairs.

A political expert said, in a statement to “Arabs Today”, that the Mauritanian opposition faces critical position, saying that if they turned to pass the amendments, they could provide legitimacy to the referendum, while if they boycotted, their future would be undermined.