Elections Commission quiet on probe into children attending ruling party rally
Photographs of the rally show children sitting in the audience
Two boys photographed sitting alongside each other at a Progressive Party of Maldives rally held in Vilingilli of Gaafu Alif Atoll
The Elections Commission has refused to clarify whether or not they are investigating the case of children being taken to participate in rallies held by the ruling party.
Photographs circulating on social media of a ruling party rally, held in Vilingilli of Gaafu Alif Atoll on March 23rd, show children sitting in the audience.
Members of Maldives’ ministerial cabinet, senior government officials, as well as lawmakers aligned with the party had participated in the rally.
RaajjeMV questioned Elections Commissioner Ahmed Akram to confirm if they are investigating the matter, which received heavy attention online.
Akram had only stated that ‘all political activity’ in the country must be carried out in accordance with the law.
This particular rally also faced additional public scrutiny after a prominent activist threated opposition aligned lawmaker Saud Hussein, claiming that he would ‘cut’ Saud into ‘pieces’.
Involving minors in political activities is prohibited in the Maldives, and the Elections Commission as well as the Human Rights Commission has previously warned parties against it.
The Maldives Police Service is yet to address this matter as well.
