MDP Urges ECM to Schedule Parliamentary Elections Post-Ramadan

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the main opposition party, has called on the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) to reconsider its decision and conduct the upcoming parliamentary elections after the conclusion of the month of Ramadan.

In a formal communication addressed to the ECM on Thursday, the MDP asserted that they had received information indicating the commission’s intention to hold elections during Ramadan. The party alleged that such a decision might be influenced by the government.

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Highlighting the collective advice from various entities, including the Parliament’s Independent Institutions Committee, the National Advisory Committee, individual political parties, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM), and Transparency Maldives, the MDP expressed concern over the deviation from these recommendations.

The MDP contended that, despite widespread counsel to hold elections post-Ramadan, they have been informed that the ECM, possibly under government influence, is inclined to proceed with elections during Ramadan.

Emphasising the importance of maintaining impartiality, the MDP urged the ECM not to succumb to any external pressures and to reschedule the elections for a date following the conclusion of Ramadan.

The current parliamentary assembly’s term is set to expire on May 28, prompting the urgency for an electoral decision. Initially, the ECM had requested the Parliament’s Independent Institutions Committee to enact legal amendments to advance the election date before Ramadan. However, the committee recommended a postponement to a date after Ramadan.

ECM’s vice chairman, Ismail Habeeb, has previously expressed reservations about holding elections after Ramadan, citing potential challenges due to the coinciding Eid holidays. He argued that voter turnout might be significantly affected as people would be traveling during the festive period.

The commission is expected to announce the finalised date for the elections on Sunday.