AG informs all institutions to ensure equal campaigning rights for all candidates, tells PSM to give equal airtime as well

Attorney General Mohamed Anil has informed all relevant institutions to ensure equal campaigning rights and protection for all nominated presidential candidates.

A press release issued by the AG Office on Wednesday noted that separate letters have been sent to Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure, Ministry of Home Affairs, Maldives Police Service (MPS) and Public Service Media (PSM), noting that various political parties are announcing their candidates for the upcoming elections.

While the Elections Commission (EC) is yet to accept any candidacies for September's polls, the AG told these institutions to ensure the safety and protection of all candidates nominated by political parties as well as their running mates, and to provide them with all required resources and facilities from the state.

In addition, Anil told state broadcaster Public Service Media to ensure that that equal airtime is given to all candidates and political parties.

There are currently two parties campaigning for the long-awaited presidential election slated for 23rd September.

Ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)'s presidential candidate for this year's election is incumbent President Abdulla Yameen, who has chosen former Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed as his running mate.

Opposition parties have decided to field a common presidential ticket; a candidate from Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) with a Jumhooree Party running mate. MDP has nominated its parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih as the opposition's presidential candidate while JP is to announce their running mate this weekend.

Solih was the target of two attacks on Tuesday, as he was conducting campaign activities in Hulhumalé. Two men first attempted to attack him as he arrived in the capital's suburban district while his campaign team was later doused with used engine oil.