Elections Commission of Maldives has warned of strict action against political parties holding primaries by violating the Political Party Act. In a statement released with full instructions to political parties on holding the primary elections, Elections Commission said it will nullify any primary election held against the rules and regulations.
Elections Commission also said it will nullify the candidacy of individuals who cannot legally contest in the presidential election. In the statement, the Commission urged to abide by the Political Party Act when conducting political party primaries. The statement highlighted primary elections cannot be held violating the necessary laws and regulations affirming that any individual who is eligible to run for presidency must be given the opportunity to participate in party primaries.
Moreover, Elections Commission adviced to make sure whether candidates contesting in primaries are eligible to run for the presidential election with all points being met under article 109 of the constitution. The notice of the electoral body said every party must notify the commission before holding a primary or if the party decides to select a candidate representing the party without a primary election. Political parties must hold primary elections between May 21 and July 1 and send information of candidates to the Commission three days prior to the date of the primary, according to the Commission.
The statement comes at a time when Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is preparing to hold its primary elections, with former President Mohamed Nasheed who is serving 13 years in prison announcing his presidential campaign. Any individual serving a jail sentence will not be eligible to contest in the primary elections or run for presidency in Maldives.