EC Will Not Support Illegal or Immoral Political Activities, Says ECM President Shakeel

The Elections Commission of Maldives (EC) will not cooperate with political parties if their activities involve criminal offences or what it considers morally unacceptable conduct, newly appointed EC President Mohamed Shakeel has said.

In his first interview with state media since assuming office on 1 July, Shakeel said political parties have the right to hold the government accountable, but such activities must be carried out within the framework of the law.

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He said actions involving criminal behaviour or conduct that infringes on the rights of others cannot be regarded as legitimate political activity, even if undertaken by political parties.

“Even if carried out by political parties, the commission will not provide cooperation for things like morally low behaviour and committing crimes,” Shakeel said.

At the same time, Shakeel assured that the commission would fully cooperate with political activities conducted in accordance with the law and regulations.

He also said the commission consults political parties before making decisions on sensitive matters. According to Shakeel, such decisions are shared with the parties before they are made public, adding that the commission does not make decisions in secret and only inform parties afterwards.