The Elections Commission of Maldives has strongly refuted allegations against the institution and calls upon all parties to refrain from disseminating false information that would create concern within the public and international partners regarding its integrity.
Furthermore, in a statement, the commission called on all parties to report such employees with evidence, so that appropriate action may be taken in accordance with applicable procedures. The electoral body of Maldives expressed its disappointment at false allegations made in the media, alleging its employees are participating in campaign activities and the institution will not administer the upcoming presidential election fairly.
The commission assured its employees are impartial and not members of any political party and noted employees must follow the regulations, internal code of conduct and the conditions set forth in employment contracts, which explicitly prohibits employees from; taking part in campaign activities, being a member of a political party, and being active in a political party regardless of whether or not the employee is a member of the political party.
Furthermore, the Elections Commission assured any employee who takes part in such activities would be dealt with in accordance with applicable regulations. The commission also assured it will uphold all relevant rules, regulations and procedures to ensure its employees are impartial at all times. The commission called upon all parties to support its commitment to holding an impartial, free, fair and transparent presidential election.