Information received that government influences Elections Commission: Nasheed

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that unless an election is held this year, it will be difficult to hold an election ever again, and that information had been received that the government influences Elections Commission to obstruct an early election.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s Orchard station located at Ma. Orchardge, Nasheed said that the government is influencing the President of the Elections Commission Fuad Thaufeeg in various ways to block MDP’s efforts to hold an early election.

“Our concern is that unless an early election is held now, there may not be an election ever again. I have heard that the government has promised certain things to the Elections Commissioner, such as appointing him as Ambassador to some countries, and is trying to influence him in various ways,” Nasheed said.

Referring to the government agreeing to change the composition of the Inquiry Commission subsequent to Commonwealth’s pressure, Nasheed said that Commonwealth is aware of the Maldivian people’s call for an early election.

“Commonwealth is in no way siding with me. When they stand on their balconies they see the size of the yellow crowd. Don McKinnon was shocked to see the number of people who took to the streets on the day the government changed,” Nasheed said.

Nasheed said that MDP will continue with its activities calling for an early election. Nasheed also inaugurated MDP’s yellow force at last night’s ceremony.