The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has postponed the announcement of the date of the parliamentary election in order to hold discussions with the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
ECM earlier decided to announce the date on January 7 but has now made the decision to postpone the announcement in order to meet the MDP leadership to discuss the letter the party submitted on January 4.
At a press conference, Vice President of ECM Ismail Habeeb said the meeting with MDP will be held on January 8 and the date of the parliamentary election will be announced this week. He also said that the electoral body will discuss choosing the most convenient date for candidates and voters, emphasizing the importance of increasing the voter turnout.
The parliamentary election coincides with the last days of the month of Ramadan and the ECM has requested the Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions to amend the law to hold the parliamentary election earlier. However, the committee recommended that the election be held on the earliest possible date after the month of Ramadan as the law provides a 30-day period after Ramadan to hold the election.
ECM has expressed concern over the committee's recommendation. The electoral body stated that it would result in the parliamentary election most likely being held during the Eid holidays, which would significantly reduce the turnout and make it difficult for ECM to hire election officials.
During a committee meeting in November, President of ECM Fuad Thaufeeq noted that the government has decided to make the last 10 days of Ramadan holidays and said it would be challenging to prepare for the election while the relevant authorities such as the finance ministry and education ministry are closed. He also said that if the election is held after the month of Ramadan, candidates would find it difficult to campaign during Ramadan. He noted that it had received complaints from parties and candidates over a by-election held after the previous month of Ramadan.