Yameen calls for a transparent election

Presidential candidate for the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Abdulla Yameen has called for a free, fair and transparent presidential election in the Maldives.

Speaking on DhiTV’s Khabaruthereyn program last night, Yameen said that PPM wants to guarantee that the election would be transparent and properly conducted.

“We are asking for a transparent election, to establish transparent procedures and principles. Vote again if you have to, but establish the principles first. Do this, and then go on to voting in the second round,” Yameen said.

Accusing the Elections Commission of not being transparent in their conduct of the first round of the elections, he iterated that he had requested the Elections Commission to have the final electoral register reviewed and verified by all candidates, with their finger prints and signature on all pages, before going to the polls.

Yameen also said that the election was heavily influenced by election bribery, and accused the Elections Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission of neglecting to take adequate steps to address the bribery.

The presidential candidates should also be allowed to appoint representatives to monitor the printing, transportation and storage of ballot papers, he said.

Speaking of PPM's policies, Yameen said that he will establish trained Maldivian doctors in every island across the country, and assured that the islands will not face medicine shortages in a PPM government.

He also pledged to reduce the disparity in services and development between the islands and capital and that a PPM government plans to develop seven areas, to bring them up to par with Male’.

He also noted the importance of establishing population centres to facilitate development in the Maldives.