ECM Urges Respect Candidate’s Safety Amidst Incident
Photo: ECM
The Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) has issued a statement urging the public to refrain from actions that could compromise the safety and security of presidential candidates participating in the upcoming election.
This message follows a recent incident involving an attack on independent candidate Umar Naseer.
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During a campaign rally in the Male’ city yesterday, Umar Naseer, an independent candidate, was targeted by an assailant wielding an iron object. Umar reported that during his campaign activities, an individual he suspects to be involved in drug-related activities hurled an iron object at him before making a swift exit.
Fortunately, no injuries were sustained in the incident. Naseer’s security team promptly shared an image of the alleged attacker with local law enforcement, who have since initiated an investigation. It is noteworthy that Umar remained unharmed throughout the ordeal.
The Vice-President of the ECM, Ismail Habeeb, highlighted the legal obligation to provide security for all candidates and their running mates from the moment their names are publicly announced as contenders until the election concludes.
Emphasising the gravity of the situation, Habeeb stressed that any actions aimed at jeopardising the safety and security of candidates and running mates constitute a criminal offense. He appealed to the state security forces to proactively prevent such incidents from occurring.
Additionally, the ECM called upon all involved parties to maintain a civil discourse during the campaign period.
In response to the incident on presidential candidate Umar Naseer, the ECM has called for a swift and thorough investigation, with the objective of bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The ECM also expressed concern over recent instances of unrest during campaign activities in Guraidhoo, urging all parties involved to exercise restraint and uphold the principles of a peaceful democratic process.
