HRCM calls on candidates to peacefully accept election results

Chief human rights body of the State, the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has called on both presidential candidates to accept the results of the runoff, to be announced later today.

Vice president of the commission Ahmed Tholal said in an interview to TVM today that this election is an opportunity for the country to move away from the current political turbulence. He called on both candidates to accept the election results, regardless of the winner.

Tholal called on all parities to refrain from making way for violence and unrest and to allow the people’s decision to be heard clearly.

“I call up on all political parities to accept the election results. I ask them not to take any action that might lead to unrest,” Tholal said.

He said the commission has received reports of voters displaying ballot papers to the audience after marking their ballot. He noted that the purpose of a secret ballot is to vote without influence and that displaying the ballot paper defies the concept of a secret ballot.

The HRCM vice president also called on the public to refrain from buying and selling of national Identification Cards and expressed concern over such recent reports. He advised the public to exercise their right to vote in a responsible manner.

Tholal said the commission is monitoring the election and that all arrangements have been smoothly executed, allowing for a free and fair election.