Yameen faction files case, asks for 2-month delay to Council Election

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s faction of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has filed a case with Civil Court, asking for a 2-month postponement to the upcoming Local Council Election.

Local Council Election is scheduled to be held on January 14, 2016.

The lawsuit against Election Commission wasn’t filed based on any law.

Yameen’s faction asked for a court order to postpone the Council Election citing that the current situation made it necessary for a postponement.

It said that PPM was the biggest political party in Maldives, and the recent difficulties faced by PPM made it impossible for the party to prepare for the election in time.

It said it did not have its database, its membership register, or other vital documentation; and that holding Local Council Election at the scheduled date could result in irrevocable damage to the party.

The current term of council members will end on February 23, 2016. Law on local council elections makes it compulsory for council members to be elected and take their oath before the term ends.