Elections Commission of Maldives has said at the High Court of Maldives the decision made in the Congress of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) was not endorsed as it was held in violation of the regulations and procedures.
Regarding the case, the legal team of the ruling party said the case was submitted to the High Court to bring a stop to the discontinued party activities, adding the congress was held followed by a special council meeting which finalised the procedure of the congress. During the special council meeting held before the congress, Article 4 of the party charter was nullified, PPM further stated.
Moreover, PPM highlighted the congress was held in attendance with Elections Commission observers, adding the decisions of the congress were submitted within 15 days since the congress, as stated in the Political Party Act. PPM requested to nullify the decision of Elections Commission which dismissed the decisions made at the party congress, stating the decision were made violating the procedure.
Refuting the submission of PPM, the legal team of the electoral body argued the claim by PPM need not be answered as some points were irrelevant. The legal team of further revealed the PPM charter clearly cites the procedure of which a party congress must take place.
Furthermore, Elections Commission said in the Article 81 of the PPM party charter states decisions can be made by special council meetings which is not noted in the charter, adding therefore, the council does not have the authority to alter or abolish articles.
Elections Commission further stated the decisions made by the congress were not endorsed as PPM did not abide by regulations in addition to not fully completing the procedure. Stressing on the aforementioned point, the commission expressed even though PPM announced, 2 vice presidents and 1 female vice president would be elected, in the end 4 vice presidents were elected.
During the hearing, High Court especially noted several members from other political parties voted in the congress. High Court has given PPM 3 days, as the party requested for more time to investigate and respond to the claims of the commission.