Akram Kamaluddin disqualified from MDP National Council elections

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has disqualified State Minister for Housing Akram Kamaluddin from completing in the party’s upcoming national council elections. 

Akram’s disqualification comes after the ruling party also disqualified Sports Minister Ahmed Mahloof from the elections.  

Both Akram and Mahloof were named on the list of suspected beneficiaries of the MMPRC graft scandal compiled by the Corruption and Asset Recovery Commission. 

Akram told Sun that he was informed of his disqualification from the elections on Monday night. 

Akram said that the resolution passed by MDP bars candidates found guilty of major felonies, candidates named as suspects in reports released by Corruption and Asset Recovery Commission or Disappearances and Deaths Commission, and candidates Anti-Corruption Commission requests action against in reports related to the MMPRC scandal from the elections. 

He said he does not believe disqualifying him from the elections based on his name being on a list of possible beneficiaries of the MMPRC scandal to be fair. 

“Anti-Corruption saying there is an issue is not sufficient grounds to disqualify me based on that resolution,” he said. 

Akram said he plans of appealing his disqualification. 

Candidates have the opportunity to submit complaints regarding the MDP National Council elections until August 29. 

Akram has been competing for presidency of Male’ district in the MDP National Council.