MDP submits bill to ban elections in Ramadan

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) – which holds a majority in the Parliament - has submitted a bill to ban national elections during Ramadan.

Ihavandhoo MP Mohamed Shifau confirmed that he submitted an amendment to the General Elections Act on Wednesday.

The move comes after the MDP parliamentary group convened for a meeting on Tuesday night, during which the party’s lawmakers voiced support for the bill.

The bill comes with the parliamentary elections set to take place on March 17 – which falls within the first week of Ramadan.

The Ramadan election date has sparked concern over a likely low voter turnout.

“The elections must be held with high level of participation of the people. We do not accept an election that denies people the chance to get involved in,” said Shifau on Tuesday.

Elections Commission (EC) chairman Fuad Thaufeeq has stated that the commission was forced to hold the elections during Ramadan, because of legal constraints.

The term of the current parliamentary assembly expires on May 28, and the law dictates that the EC must initiate the process of holding the elections 120 days before the parliamentary term expires.

The EC has repeatedly stated that legal amendments are required in order to avoid holding the elections during Ramadan.

284,327 people are eligible to vote in the elections, including 145,162 men and 139,165 women.

It is an increase of 1,523 eligible voters from last year’s presidential elections.

Candidacy will be open from January 30 to February 14.