Supreme Court overrules the decision made by Elections Commission on 12 disputed parliament seats

Supreme Court of Maldives has annulled the decision made by Elections Commission on the 12 disputed seats in parliament.

In its order, the Supreme Court also highlighted any parliament sitting held or any decisions made with the inclusion of the 12 parliamentarians before the Supreme Court comes to a verdict will be void. Moreover, the order also stated that any act or decision regarding the 12 disputed seats in parliament will be an act of influencing and obstructing the role and duties of the Supreme Court.

Earlier today, the Elections Commission had overturned its decision regarding the 12 disputed seats in parliament. The commission has also called off by-elections for the constituencies.

Previously, the commission declared the 12 disputed seats invalid following a July 2017 ruling that parliamentarians would lose their elected seats in the event of floor crossing. However, the 12 parliamentarians have filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court and are awaiting a verdict.