Candidacy for Presidential Election to be opened in July

Candidacy for the Maldivian Presidential Election 2018 will be opened in July, says Elections Commission (EC).

Member of EC, Ahmed Akram reported to “Sun” this Tuesday that the first round of the election will be held in late October or early September.

EC provides assurance the election will be free and fair.

Commissioner Akram said EC was holding discussions regarding the elections with relevant institutions, and that the election will be announced once discussions with all relevant institutions are complete.

He said EC will brief the media regarding the elections soon.

Article 110 of the Constitution dictates the Presidential Election must be held 30-120 days before the current presidential term ends.

Article 5 (a) of the Presidential Election Act dictates candidacy for Presidential Election needs to be opened and publicly announced within 10 days as the last 120 days of the current presidential term begins.

Incumbent President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has announced he will be running for re-election as ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)’s candidate.

The opposition coalition is yet to announce its candidate.