Adhaalath Party boycotts Council Election

Opposition political party, Adhaalath Party (AP) has made the decision to boycott the upcoming Local Council Election.

The decision was made during the AP advisory council meeting held last Monday.

“…As prejudicially stealing an election the people of Maldives is a reckless and unjust atrocity against the people of Maldives, the State of Maldives and the Maldivian Constitution; we condemn and protest against all distressing, unlawful and unjust atrocities, and announce the decision of Adhaalath Party not to partake in the Local Council Election announced by

Elections Commission for April 8, 2017,” read the decision of AP’s advisory council.

EC announced its decision to hold the postponed Local Council Election on April 8 during a press conference held last Sunday, January 8.

It also declared the previously submitted application forms for the election null, instructing that candidates and political parties re-apply.

Local Council Election was originally scheduled for January 14, but was postponed in light of a Civil Court ruling over a lawsuit submitted by Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

AP accused the government of partiality towards the ruling party – PPM - and destroying the

multi-political party system in the country. It alleged that delaying the election to April 8 was a ruse to ensure council seats to candidates picked by one individual, rather than holding an election in accordance with the Constitution.

AP accused EC of deliberate negligence in failing to deliver the Local Council Election to the people on the date instructed by the Constitution and stealing the election from the people.

It said that partaking in the election would “stamp the seal of validity in an unjustly stolen election”.

AP had previously made a coalition with the largest opposition political party Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to compete in the Local Council Election, submitting application forms to EC together.

EC’s decision nullifies applications of more than 900 candidates – a decision which MDP has announced it will contest in court.

During EC’s press conference on April 8, Vice President of EC, Amjad Musthafa said that the commission was complying with the court decision, and that the delay will not reflect on the fairness of the election.