Not likely that election can be held on 22 March: Nasheed

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that despite the Supreme Court order upon relevant authorities to make the necessary arrangements to hold the Parliamentary Election on 22 March, it is not likely that these arrangements can be made before this date.

Yesterday (Sunday), Supreme Court declared President of Elections Commission Fuad Thaufeeg and Vice President of Elections Commission Ahmed Fayaz disqualified as members of Elections Commission, but at the same time ordered the parliament, Elections Commission, and all relevant state authorities to make the necessary arrangements to hold the Parliamentary Election on 22 March as earlier announced by the Elections Commission.

Nasheed cut short his campaign trip to northern atolls and returned to Male’ today, and speaking to reporters, he said that he does not support the election being organised by a newly-elected Elections Commission.

“Going for the election with a new commission is not acceptable. This election should be conducted according to the law. If we fail to follow that path – I don’t think anything good can come out of that,” he said.

He further said that the Supreme Court verdict, wherein it declared President and Vice President of Elections Commission disqualified as members of Elections Commission, was unlawful.

“Supreme Court is making a mistake. It does not have the authority to do this, to elect and dismiss the Elections Commissioner. The Constitution clearly states the procedure for dismissing the Elections Commissioner. That’s not up to the Supreme Court,” he said.

He also urged security forces to keep their actions within the limits of the law.