Election Commission’s statement is legally invalid: Nasheed
Nasheed, who has been convicted over terrorism charges, is the only candidate contesting in MDP’s primary election
Former President Mohamed Nasheed
Former President Mohamed Nasheed has condemned the Election Commission (EC) for saying that those convicted of a crime cannot contest in the primary elections.
Nasheed, who has been convicted over terrorism charges, is the only candidate contesting in MDP’s primary election.
The EC released its statement one day after Nasheed submitted his candidacy. In the statement, the commission said it will nullify any primary election that breaks the rules and regulations.
In a tweet on Sunday night, Nasheed said that rulings on the qualifications of presidential candidates can only be made by the Supreme Court’s full bench.
Article 113 of the Constitution states that the Supreme Court, sitting together in session, shall have sole and final jurisdiction to determine all disputes concerning the qualification or disqualification, election, or status of a presidential candidate or running mate.
The Supreme Court annulled Nasheed’s 13-year prison sentence on February 1, but President Abdulla Yameen refused to accept the ruling and arrested two of the court judges, forcing the rest to invalidate the ruling.
