We will make necessary amendments, and hold election on 19 Oct: EC

The Elections Commission (EC) has said that they will make the necessary amendments regarding the preparations for the presidential election as advised by the Supreme Court, and hold the election on 19 October.

Replying to a question by Sun Online at a press conference held on Friday night, EC Member Ali Mohamed Manik said that all preparations are under way to hold the election on 19 October, and that he is confident that a fair election can be organised within the timeframe given by the court.

“We are facing difficulties due to the lack of time, but we are confident that the necessary amendments will be made and that the election will be held on 19 October,” he said.

Ali Manik said that according to the Supreme Court order, only pens can be allowed near the voting area, meaning that mobile phones and reporters’ cameras will not be allowed.

EC President Fuad Thaufeeg also acknowledged that difficulties are being faced due to the short period given to prepare for the election, but nonetheless assured that all preparations are under way.

Fuad said that ballot boxes will be placed at designated foreign countries even if less than 100 people are able to register.

When asked about the voters’ list, Fuad said that the list used this time is the list provided by the Department of National Registration (DNR). He said that DNR has ‘assured’ that the list is faultless, so it is likely to be valid.

Speaking at a press conference held by the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) tonight, PPM Vice President Abdul Raheem Abdulla said that it would not be possible to correct the issues mentioned in the 16-point guideline issued by the Supreme Court before 19 October, and that PPM would not accept the result of an election that fails to meet those guidelines.