Election can proceed although lists not endorsed by all candidates: Supreme Court

Supreme Court has advised Elections Commission (EC) that the Parliamentary Election can proceed as scheduled on Saturday even though voters’ lists have not been endorsed by some candidates.

This came in response to a letter sent by Elections Commission to Supreme Court last Sunday requesting advice on how to proceed after some candidates failed to endorse voters’ lists.

Elections Commission has not yet disclosed any details regarding the Supreme Court advice.

Elections Commission Media Officer Aishath Shifana Ahmed said that details of the Supreme Court letter will be revealed to media after the commission holds a meeting tomorrow.

Elections Commission has said that the lists have not been endorsed by 16 independent candidates.

Voters’ lists have to be endorsed by candidates following a Supreme Court ruling issued during the Presidential Election, which included a guideline which states that voters’ lists must be endorsed by candidates in all general elections.

Attorney General (AG) Office has advised the police that Elections Commission cannot be held responsible if some candidates fail to endorse voters’ lists after being given sufficient time.

AG Office also said that failure by some candidates to sign the lists is not an obstruction to holding the election.