MDP’s primary election is not being held for EC: Party deputy

MDP’s primary election is being held for the party members and not for the Election Commission (EC), says the party’s Vice President Mohamed Shifaz.

He said this in a tweet on Sunday after the EC released a statement giving instructions to parties on holding the primary elections.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has also 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 commission said it will annul the candidacy of individuals who legally cannot contest in the presidential election.

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.