MDP gets involved in PPM lawsuit to delay election

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has announced that it has submitted the form to Civil Court requesting involvement in the lawsuit filed by Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) to postpone upcoming Local Council Election by two months.

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

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.

Civil Court on Sunday night issued a temporary court order to hold re-registration for the election open indefinitely.

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.