EC postpones decision on Majlis election date following MDP letter

Elections Commission (EC) has postponed a decision on the date for this year’s parliamentary elections, as it deliberates on a letter sent by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

The term of the current parliamentary assembly expires on May 28.

The law dictates that the EC must initiate the process of holding the elections 120 days before the parliamentary term expires.

This means this year’s elections must be held during the month of Ramadan.

In a press conference on Sunday, EC’s vice chairman Ismail Habeeb noted that the commission had been set to announce the election date during the press briefing, but has decided to delay making a decision because of a letter sent by MDP – the country’s biggest political party - last Thursday.

“We have decided to determine a date after discussions with the MDP as well,” he said.

‘In Sha Allah, we will announce our decision within this week.”

Habeeb said that EC is set to meet with MDP officials for discussions at 11:30 am on Monday.

He added that a date will be finalized after multiple considerations, and discussions with multiple stakeholders.

Habeeb said that the EC will settle on a date that is most convenient for the voters, candidates, and the commission itself.

Allowing as many eligible voters as possible to exercise their right is a key priority, he said.

EC had originally asked the Parliament’s Independent Institutions Committee to make legal amendments to push up the date for parliamentary elections to before Ramadan. However, the committee recommended postponing the election to after Ramadan.

Habeeb previously stated that it would be hard to hold the elections after Ramadan as it would fall within the Eid holidays. He said that people will be travelling for the holidays, which will significantly lower the voter turnout.

On Thursday, MDP urged the EC to hold the elections after Ramadan.

In a letter to the EC, MDP said they have been informed the commission plans on holding the elections during Ramadan, and alleged that the decision involves government influence.