President notifies to conduct election according to guideline

President Dr Mohamed Waheed has notified the institutions that come under the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure that the presidential election, scheduled for this Saturday, is conducted in a free and fair manner.

The President’s Office said that the president notified the ministry to monitor that the preparations for the election undertaken by the State Institutions are in accordance with the Supreme Court guidelines.

The statement by the President’s Office states that as per Article 115 (c) of the Constitution, it is the responsibility of the president to promote the rule of law, and to protect the rights and freedoms of all people.

The Supreme Court annulled the result of the first round of the presidential election held on 7 September following a case filed in this regard by Jumhooree Party.

The court has also issued a guideline to ensure a free and fair presidential election, and ordered the relevant State Institutions to hold the first round of the election before 20 October, and if required, to hold the second round before 3 November 2013.