EC denies request to register The Democrats

The Elections Commission (EC) tied 2-2 in a key vote on Sunday, denying The Democrats – a new political party being formed by supporters of former president Mohamed Nasheed – their request to register the party.

The Democrats’ officials, who have been at the EC headquarters for hours, refusing to leave until the commission registered the party, were informed of the decision by the commission’s chairman Fuad Thaufeeq on Sunday night.

Addressing the crowd of Democrats’ officials, Fuad said that the four commissioners currently in Male’ took a vote, which ended in a 2-2 tie.

“Therefore, we are unable to grant permission. I decided that the decision had passed when we got two votes. But we actually need a majority for the decision to pass,” he said.

Democrats’ officials questioned Fuad regarding why the two commissioners refused to register the party, and repeated their allegation of government influence within the commission.

“They had no reason for their decision to vote ‘no’. They said they will not vote for it,” said Fuad.

Democrats’ founder, West Henveiru Hassan Latheef had alleged earlier that two commissioners were deliberately hindering the registration of the party. However, he did not specify which two commissioners he was referring two.