MDP holding Primary for Local Elections PHOTO:Mohamed Sharuhaan/Mihaaru
Lawmaker and spokesperson of main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Imthiyaz Fahumy proclaimed that the Local Council Elections are being delayed by the joint efforts of all related institutions.
The local elections scheduled originally scheduled for January 14 in the coming year was delayed by the Civil Court for two more months due to internal political disputes of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). The Elections Commission, which had contradicted the decision from the beginning, has now appealed the case at the High Court which is currently in recess. However the trial has not yet begun though the High Court holds trials of important cases during its recess period.
Imthiyaz Fahumy condemned the delay in the local elections, saying that it deprived the rights of the candidates and voters as well.
“The delay of the Local Council Elections is well planned and carried out jointly by the Government, Elections Commission and courts. They have made fun of the election by delaying it against the specified date in the Constitution.”
He further stated that the courts may be dragging the issue on the command of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s faction of the divided PPM. Remarking that the Elections Commission has been fulfilling all wishes of state so far, he questioned why they would go against the government in this issue and accused the EC of showing off that they intended to hasten the elections.
In addition to MDP, opposition Jumhoory Party and religiously conservative Adhaalath Party have also expressed concerns over the delay in election.
The Civil Court’s order to delay the local elections, originally scheduled to be held January 14 next year, comes in the wake of the case filed by the divided ruling PPM seeking to postpone the local elections over recent political disputes within the party that had hindered PPM’s preparations for the Local Council Elections on time. The Civil Court had ruled in favour of the party, stating that proceeding with the elections such that PPM cannot take part would be a violation of democratic policies, damaging the common interests of the state.