Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has stated Elections Commission of Maldives does not have any legal right to accept or disapprove its Extraordinary National Congress held on Friday.
In a statement issued following the decision of Elections Commission to nullify the congress, the ruling party described it as an irresponsible decision. The decision also casts doubts on the integrity of the commission, according to PPM.
Moreover, PPM revealed the congress was held within the guidelines set in the party charter and after informing the commission. PPM further added members of the commission were also present at the congress.
Meanwhile, during a press conference, council member of PPM Mohamed Tholal assured the congress was held within guidelines and observers from the commission assured no illegal activities were held during the congress. In this regard, Tholal said the commission does not have the authority to nullify the congress, after failing to mention any concerns.
The congress was declared null, based on the grounds the set procedures were not followed in holding the congress, according to the commission. Therefore, the commission added it would be unable to endorse any decision made in the congress. The decision of the commission comes in the wake of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who previously led the party, submitting a letter to Elections Commission noting his concerns about the PPM Extraordinary National Congress.
At the Extraordinary National Congress held by PPM, incumbent President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom was elected the President of the ruling party. Furthermore, four vice presidents were also elected in the congress.