The Chairman of the Elections Commission of Maldives Fuwad Thowfeek says that the electoral exercise set for 9th September could not be considered free and fair if the main opposition PPM-PNC Coalition boycotts the vote.
Chairman Fuwad on Monday expressed his views on a live TV show about a possible boycott of the presidential election by PPM.
He said that if PPM boycotts the vote that will be an electoral exercise where all citizens are not able to vote for the candidate of their choice. In that case, Chairman Fuwad said that he could not consider the election free and fair.
Fuwad is hopeful that PPM-PNC Coalition will take part in the race. “If PPM decides not to contest in the election, the exercise is an unrepresented vote and it will not be viewed as free and fair,” said Fuwad.
PPM-PNC Coalition nominated President Yameen to contest in the September 2023 election in August 2022. However, a subsequent prison sentence against President Yameen is stalling him from running for office.
Early this month, Chairman Fuwad thought that there could be a window of opportunity for President Yameen to take part in the contest if the Supreme Court clears his way.
Chairman Fuwad on Monday expressed his views on a live TV show about a possible boycott of the presidential election by PPM.
He said that if PPM boycotts the vote that will be an electoral exercise where all citizens are not able to vote for the candidate of their choice. In that case, Chairman Fuwad said that he could not consider the election free and fair.
Fuwad is hopeful that PPM-PNC Coalition will take part in the race. “If PPM decides not to contest in the election, the exercise is an unrepresented vote and it will not be viewed as free and fair,” said Fuwad.
PPM-PNC Coalition nominated President Yameen to contest in the September 2023 election in August 2022. However, a subsequent prison sentence against President Yameen is stalling him from running for office.
Early this month, Chairman Fuwad thought that there could be a window of opportunity for President Yameen to take part in the contest if the Supreme Court clears his way.
