I hope the nominated candidates will be able to contest the election: McKinnon

The Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, Sir Donald McKinnon has expressed hope that the nominated candidates of political parties will be able to contest the upcoming presidential election in the Maldives.

McKinnon said this after his visit to the Maldives from 2 to 5 June to discuss recent developments in the lead up to the presidential election scheduled for 7 September 2013.

According to the Commonwealth Secretariat, McKinnon said: “It is also my hope that the nominated candidates of political parties will be able to contest the election, on a level playing field, so that the election outcome fully reflects the will of the voters.”

He also encouraged all stakeholders to ensure that a free, fair, inclusive and peaceful presidential election will be held in September.

“Now is the time that I hope that all Maldivian citizens who have the right to vote take the opportunity to check their details on the gazetted electoral register before the deadline for doing so passes. Voter registers are at their best when the regulatory authority and the political parties work together to ensure their accuracy.”

The names of 240,302 people eligible to vote in the election have been published on the gazette.

The Elections Commission said that by yesterday, 421 complaints had been received since the voter register was announced.

President of Elections Commission Fuad Thaufeeg said that the majority of the 421 complaints are regarding change of registry, including change of house names after houses are divided.