EC Shareef: Leaked report questionable, holds no weight

Former President of the Elections Commission Ahmed Shareef (EC Shareef) has stated that the investigative report supposedly compiled by Maldives Police Service following their probe into the case of electoral fraud in the 2018’s presidential elections – which was leaked raises questions as to the document’s legitimacy.

A document which is supposedly the investigative report compiled by the Police after their probe into the case of electoral fraud in the 2018’s presidential elections claimed by the opposition coalition was leaked to the press yesterday.

The report makes allegations against then-President of the Elections Commission Shareef, and other members of the commission as well.

The report includes a statement that was allegedly given to the Police by Shareef as well.

Speaking regarding the report to Sun, Shareef said that the Police had informed of such a report when he was still serving as the President of the Elections Commission. He also added that such a report had never been sent to the Commission as well.

Shareef further said that the report was unlike police reports that are usually made. In this regard, he detailed that if a person is being suspected, there should be sufficient evidence to prove the suspicions raised against the person. Stressing that the report lacks such evidence, Shareef said that therefore, it holds no weight.

“If the information on me had been true even – the Police had not submitted such a report during the court proceedings and the trial. Therefore, the legitimacy of this report is questionable,” he had said.

Speaking further, Shareef said that he unable to make a statement in an official capacity regarding the report. However, he added that there are two parties that must respond regarding the report; the Elections Commission and Maldives Police Service.

He also stressed during the time he worked at the Elections Office, there had been no influence on the elections by any party. On this note, Shareef added that all matters pertaining to the elections were decided following discussions amongst the five members of the Election Commission – whereas no decision has been taken solely by one member.

Shareef further said the that only topic talked by PPM at present is regarding freeing former President Yameen Abdul Gayyoom – adding that the new allegations will not be heard within these talks.

He also alleged that the doubts regarding presidential elections has been raised as a distraction from the other accusations made against Yameen.

“To suppress such talks, the easiest issue to raise is that of the presidential elections. There is Shareef, as a person to yell at. That is why these opportunities are utilized,” he had said.

Former Vice President of Elections Commission Ahmed Akram said in a tweet today that the results of the 2018’s presidential elections were presented to the public without a single change to it.

“Again, 2018’s presidential elections is being talked about. I swear upon Allah, the results of that election were presented to the people without a change, as how they voted. Use the tongue and pen truthfully. Be scared of Allah’s punishment.” he had said.

In 2018’s presidential elections, the opposition candidate was current President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He secured a total of 134,706 votes, which amount to 58.4 percent of the voters.

Then-President Yameen had secured a total of 96,501 votes, which amounts to 41.6 percent of the voters.

Maldives Police Service has denied that the leaked investigative report is a legitimate document.