ECM Postpones Parliamentary Election Date Announcement Following Opposition’s Concerns

The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) postponed the announcement of the date for the upcoming parliamentary elections after receiving a formal letter from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). The MDP raised concerns about holding the vote during Ramadan, alleging that the ECM was succumbing to pressure from the ruling coalition (PPM-PNC). ECM Vice Chairman Ismail Habeeb stated the commission decided to hold further discussions with political parties. The National Advisory Committee and the Independent Institutions Committee had advised holding the election after Ramadan, noting potential low voter turnout if held during Ramadan. The ECM will finalize the date later this week.

The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) postponed the announcement of the date for the upcoming parliamentary elections after receiving a formal letter from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). The MDP raised concerns about holding the vote during Ramadan, alleging that the ECM was succumbing to pressure from the ruling coalition (PPM-PNC). ECM Vice Chairman Ismail Habeeb stated the commission decided to hold further discussions with political parties. The National Advisory Committee and the Independent Institutions Committee had advised holding the election after Ramadan, noting potential low voter turnout if held during Ramadan. The ECM will finalize the date later this week.

The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) postponed the announcement of the date for the upcoming parliamentary elections after receiving a formal letter from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). The MDP raised concerns about holding the vote during Ramadan, alleging that the ECM was succumbing to pressure from the ruling coalition (PPM-PNC). ECM Vice Chairman Ismail Habeeb stated the commission decided to hold further discussions with political parties. The National Advisory Committee and the Independent Institutions Committee had advised holding the election after Ramadan, noting potential low voter turnout if held during Ramadan. The ECM will finalize the date later this week.

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