MNP: EC failed to solve attempts to influence by-election

Maldives National Party (MNP) states attempts were being made to influence the Komandoo by-election, and that the Elections Commission (EC) had failed to solve the issues, despite repeated complaints. 

MNP’s deputy leader, MP Ahmed Usham told Sun on Saturday afternoon that Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) was engaged in multiple activities to influence the election. 

“Elections Act clearly states that no campaign activities can be held after 06:00 pm on the day before the election. According to the law, the activities conducted by candidates near the polling center constitutes activities to garner support,” he said. 

Usham said that MDP’s candidate Mohamed Rashid was operating outside the polling station in Sh. Foakaidhoo. 

He said that the EC failed to solve any issue submitted to them. 

“We have shared the issue with Elections Commission on various levels. But this hasn’t been solved even as it draws near poll closing time. So, we have to say there are attempts to influence this election,” he said. 

Complaints over Rashid’s presence outside the polling center has also been lodged by the PPM-PNC coalition. 

EC’s Complaints Committee head Ibrahim Hafiz told Sun that the complaints lodged with the committee did not meet requirements, but the committee was looking into the complaints.  

“We will look into the cases to the extent of our resources, and will investigate the cases with police if the allegations prove to be true. This is in progress,” he said. 

Seven complaints regarding the Komandoo by-election have been lodged with the EC.