PNC rejects secret ballot calls, says constitution requires show of hands voting

The ruling People's National Congress (PNC) says voting for its leadership will be conducted by show of hands, as stipulated in the party’s constitution.

The party issued a statement rejecting reports circulated by some media outlets claiming that a separate committee had approved show-of-hands voting for the upcoming congress.

PNC said procedures for the congress are clearly set out in Chapter Seven of its constitution registered with the Elections Commission. Article 69(a) states that matters requiring approval at the congress are to be decided by a show of hands, while Article 69(b) states that elections for congress members are to be conducted through an open ballot.

Citing these provisions, the party said open voting for the election of vice presidents is fully consistent with its constitution. It added that the decision was taken by the committee overseeing the congress.

PNC also dismissed claims that a committee coordinating the congress had decided the voting method, calling the reports “entirely false”.

The party assured its members that all internal affairs will be conducted in line with free and democratic principles.

Six candidates have expressed interest in contesting for vice president at the PNC congress scheduled for September. They are Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam, Central Maafannu MP Asma Rasheed, Chief Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu), Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, Youth Minister Abdulla Rafiu, Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau and Nilandhoo MP Fathimath Saudha.

The statement comes amid criticism from some quarters over the party’s decision not to hold secret ballots for internal elections.