HRCM starts looking for volunteers to be election observers

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has begun looking for volunteers to be observers at this year’s presidential elections.

The Commission is looking for a total of 25 volunteers.

Each volunteer must be between the age of 18 to 55 and should not be registered to or affiliated with any political parties. In addition, a volunteer cannot be related to any of the presidential candidates and must be able to travel to various islands.

Interested individuals are to submit their applications before July 18, and can do so through e-mail as well.

The long-awaited presidential elections are to be held on 23rd September. Ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has given its presidential ticket to incumbent President Abdulla Yameen, who recently announced former Islamic minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed as his running mate.

Meanwhile the opposition coalition has agreed to field a common candidate in the election; a presidential candidate from Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and running mate from Jumhooree Party. While MDP’s parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has been selected as the opposition’s presidential candidate, they are to announce a running mate on July 14.