EC calls to expedite probe into attack on Umar

Elections Commission (EC) has called on Maldives Police Service to expedite the attack on former Home Minister Umar Naseer, who is contesting 2023’s presidential election as an independent candidate.

Umar filed a police complaint after he was attacked at a campaign rally on Saturday.

Commenting on the matter, EC’s Vice President Ismail Habeeb underscored the law required to provide security for presidential candidates and their running mates at the state’s expense. He also stressed that any act that obstructs the safety and security of any presidential candidate and running mate was a punishable offense.

“Calling on state’s security forces to stop any act that obstructs the safety of a candidate on behalf of EC’s members. Also urge everyone to stray from such unsophisticated acts,” he added.

Habeeb also expressed concern over the clashes between pro and anti-government supporters at K. Guraidhoo amid opposition coalition’s candidate Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to the island on Saturday.

In a Facebook post regarding the incident, Umar said that while participating in the road rally as part of his presidential campaign last night, he was hit in the face with a metal object that was thrown from the crowd.

He further detailed that the individual that threw the object at him was a suspected drug dealer and had fled from the scene after throwing it.

Umar also said that his security detail shared the photo of the suspected culprit with the police.

He stressed he was not injured in the incident.

While he has filed a police complaint over the matter, Police have yet to disclose any information regarding the attack.