EC expresses concern over involving children in political activism

The Elections Commission (EC) of the Maldives has said that it is deeply concerned about children being involved in political activism.

Speaking to Sun Online today, Fuad Qaasim, the President of EC, said that reports of children being made to take part in political events organized by political parties had been on the rise. He said that this is something that could not be accepted.

“We are greatly concerned over children taking part in political activities. Those who organize political events must not let children be part of it, and they should take the responsibility in forbidding children to play any role in such activities. Children should not be let into such activities even if they willingly try to do so, whether it is a political march, or giving speeches. No child should be allowed to take part in any way, to any extent, in any political activity”, said Fuad.

Fuad also said that the EC had told political parties noted to have involved children in political activities not to do so, and press statements had been issued in order to advise against the practice, after the EC was notified of it via complaints from some quarters.

Fuad noted that EC Act has conferred only nominal power on the EC to investigate such matters, and that what can be done under the Act was already being done.

Fuad also said that public members concerned over this matter must report to the EC with more details. “Some observers call us via the phone and inform us of incidents of children being involved in political activities. We request all public members to give us information about such incidents in writing, and with as much details as possible”, said Fuad.

Sun has received photographs which show that a Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) protest in A.A. Ukulhas, in which a large number of children partook. An informant speaking from the island later confirmed that many children indeed participated in the event.

The Child Abusing Prevention Society (CAPS) condemned MDP weeks ago, for “trying to derive inappropriate benefits by conducting a Children’s Evening amidst its political protests at the Lonuziyaarai Kolhu”.

When called for a comment on the matter, Imtiaz Fahmy, the Spokesperson of MDP, did not answer his phone.