Police ceases election support following Supreme Court injunction

Maldives Police Service has ceased providing support for the elections to the Elections Commission following the Supreme Court injunction, ordering to postpone the second round of the presidential election.

The injunction was issued on Monday for Jumhoory Party’s election case, which asked the court to annul the results of the first round of the election. The injection ordered the Elections Commission to postpone the election until court issues a verdict for the case.

Police stated that they will heed the Supreme Court injunction, and thus, have ceased assisting Elections Commission in all their requests regarding the election. Police said that their decision to heed the order has been duly communicated with the Elections Commission’s coordinating committee.

However, police said that they will continue providing security and other support required for ballot boxes that were transported to the islands before the court order. Security for Elections Commission member and the Commission office will also be maintained, police said.

Elections Commission also stated Wednesday that they will heed the Supreme Court order and will not hold the election on Saturday, 28th September, as previously scheduled.

Supreme Court has concluded all hearings for the Jumhoory Party’s election case. Chief Justice has yet to announce a date to issue a verdict.