We need an explanation regarding the transfer of 6,000 names from Dhaftharu to houses: JP Leader Gasim

Presidential candidate of Jumhooree Party (JP) Gasim Ibrahim has said that out of the people registered to vote for the first round of the presidential election, 6,000 names were transferred from Male’ Dhaftharu (Male’ Registry) to houses in Male’, and that a reason must be given for why President of Elections Commission Fuad Thaufeeg could not provide an explanation for this transfer of names.

Gasim said this while speaking at a rally held at JP’s Kunooz campaign hall last night.

He said that Fuad Thaufeeg was not able to answer a question posed in this regard by a reporter at a press conference held on 7 September.

“We need an explanation, or an acceptable reason why Elections Commission was not able to provide an answer. Fuad must understand, that regardless of whether the reason given is good or bad, this can only be done if approved by the residents of the a house,” said Gasim.

He stressed that it is the responsibility of the Elections Commission to conduct a transparent and peaceful election.

Gasim said that a lawyer of the Elections Commission tweeted a photo of his ballot paper and revealed the candidate he voted for in the election. He said that the fact that a lawyer of the commission works to gain support for a particular candidate raises questions about the impartiality of the commission.

Referring to Transparency Maldives’ remark that JP’s observers were absent at some polling stations, Gasim said that it is not the responsibility of JP to observe all events related to the election, rather, this responsibility lies with the Elections Commission.