Committee Recommends Post-Ramadan Parliamentary Election

The Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions has reiterated its request to the Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) to schedule parliamentary elections after the conclusion of the Ramadan month, aiming to afford candidates ample time for campaigning.

While the earliest possible date for the election is the last 10 days of Ramadan, the ECM has approached the Independent Institutions Committee of the Parliament to explore a legal resolution. The committee maintains that the 30-day period mandated by law begins after Ramadan.

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Expressing concern, the ECM assures that elections will adhere to the stipulated time frame. However, the commission is actively seeking a legal solution to conduct the election before Ramadan due to potential challenges associated with holding it during the holy month.

The Independent Institutions Committee highlights the difficulties of conducting parliamentary elections during Ramadan. ECM’s Chairman Fuad Thaufeeq acknowledges that challenges include the government’s decision to close on the last day of Ramadan, resulting in the closure of relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education. This, in turn, poses obstacles to election preparations and campaigning.

Fuad notes the challenges of holding elections during Ramadan, citing administrative difficulties and the unavailability of relevant agencies. He emphasises the potential hindrance to campaigning during Ramadan, as people are more inclined to focus on worship during the day.