EC has crossed the red line, a new commission must be established: Nasheed

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that Elections Commission (EC) has crossed the red line by trying to influence the primary elections of a political party and that a new commission must be established prior to the upcoming presidential election.

While speaking at the campaign run for Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) presidential primaries on Sunday night, Nasheed requested the general public of the Maldives, as well as the international community to monitor the Presidential Elections 2018.

Noting the Elections Commission attempts 'to influence the election', the former president said that he hopes the international community recognizes this.

The former president also said that political parties are the most important foundations of a democracy and that EC is 'crossing a red line by attempting to hinder their work'.

'The parliament needs to hold a meeting to establish EC and the speaker of the parliament must allow it. 12 [opposition] members have not lost their seats. EC, as well as the speaker of the parliament, need to accept it', said Nasheed

He also noted the importance of ensuring that the commission in charge is 'competent, acquires integrity and most importantly does not lack credibility'. He added that the commission must also be acceptable to all the political parties.