Elections Commission (EC) has warned not to question if the 2018 Presidential elections will be free and fair.
The Commission made the statement in response to the calls made by European Union (EU) Parliament to ensure the next elections will be free and fair.
A statement released by the Commission on Tuesday said the elections run in the country follow the laws, procedures of the country, adheres to international standards and are free, open and fair. It assured EC will remain committed to upholding their mandate.
The Commission said several political figures in the country had attempted to besmirch the work carried out by the Commission and twist the perception of the upcoming Presidential elections. This, the statement noted, was carried out both locally and internationally.
Richard Corbett, one the European Parliament’s members from the United Kingdom, told RaajjeMV after the delegation’s meeting with parliament speaker Abdulla Maseeh that they have had ‘some interesting meetings’ with the opposition and ruling parties alike.
He further said that the delegation has given utmost importance to discussing pluralism in local political and social spheres, adding that an environment conducive of free and fair elections must be established before the upcoming presidential elections, slated for 2018.
Referring to these statements, EC said the last Local Council Elections were an indication that elections in the Maldives. The elections and results of the elections were accepted by political parties and international observers.
The Commission concluded by stating that the Commission will adhere to their mandate of holding free and fair elections, that will be observed by both local and international observers. It also appealed not to spread baseless allegations on the Commission.
The rebuttal came at a time when the Commission had faced intense public scrutiny over claims of different treatment to certain political parties and use of the controversial Supreme Court ruling on floor crossing to remove sitting MPs.
