Elections Commission of Maldives has revealed the party leadership of President of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed and President of Adaalath Party Imran Abdulla are valid. The electoral body has now notified both parties after accepting their party leadership, according to member of Elections Commission Ahmed Akram.
Ahmed Akram stated the commission made the decision following the Supreme Court order to defer the implementation of jail sentence of both Mohamed Nasheed and Imran Abdulla, even though they were previously suspended from the posts they were filling at their respective parties, under the parole act.
Furthermore, Akram said since the Supreme Court verdict, Mohamed Nasheed and Imran Abdulla are free to participate in political activities and realising the importance to ensure their rights, the electoral body had made the decision.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed was serving a jail sentence of 13 years for terrorism charges, while Imran Abdulla was serving 12 years for indicting violence during a speech at a political rally. However, the Supreme Court has ordered to defer implementing their jail sentences until their cases are reviewed.