EC: MDP primary illegitimate; will issue penalties

Elections Commission (EC) has declared the primary held by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) last Wednesday as unlawful, warning that the party will be penalized for its actions.

Spokesperson and Elections Commissioner Ahmed Akram reported to “Sun” that the EC does not consider MDP’s primary as legitimate.

“We do not recognize the primary. It’s an unlawful political act. We will issue penalties,” said Akram.

Akram said a decision on the penalties will be made during the EC meeting scheduled for coming Sunday.

MDP’s primary for the upcoming Presidential Election was launched at 2 pm last Wednesday. The Civil Court issued an order to stop the primary soon thereafter, and the order was enforced by Maldives Police Service.

Voting was continued until midnight, despite police intervention.