EC clarifies – MDP, Adhaalath Party has no Leader

Elections Commission has clarified that opposition parties – Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Adhaalath Party no longer has anyone in Leader position.

The clarification was provided in response to a written inquiry made by a civilian.

EC said that former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was still the president of the ruling political party – Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), whereas former Maldivian

President Mohamed Nasheed was no longer the Leader of MDP, and Sheikh Imran Abdulla was no longer the Leader of Adhaalath Party.

The Commission said that the former leaders of both MDP and AP were currently serving prison sentences for criminal offenses, and were therefore not eligible to remain leaders of political parties as per the law.

Sheikh Imran Abdulla speaking during an opposition rally before his imprisonment. (File photo/Sun)

EC made the reference to the amendment made to Article 63 of Prisons and Parole Act in 2015, which bars anyone serving a prison sentence from remaining in any leadership position in any political party in Maldives.

They can, however, remain a general member.

Nasheed, who was sentenced to prison for the wrongful arrest of the Chief Judge of Criminal Court during his presidency is currently living in exile in UK and is currently involved in the Maldives United Opposition movement.

Imran is still in Maldives serving his prison sentence for inciting violence through his speech during Labor Day protests.

Neither MDP, not AP have made any attempts to elect a new leader.