Laxton Group, which is advising the Elections Commission (EC) on electronic voting, had helped former longstanding Robert Mugabe stay in power, accused Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

The main opposition party’s deputy Mohamed Shifaz said that they have declined EC’s request to meet Laxton, claiming that it is attempting to extend President Abdulla Yameen’s rule.

Shifaz said that citizens should know the history of the companies that are being brought to the country.

“Mugabe is internationally infamous for being a dictator. Laxton Group helped extend Mugabe’s violent rule in Zimbabwe. We don’t want to join in this group’s work to keep President Yameen in power.”

EC President Ahmed Shareef on Saturday said that they have requested all political parties to meet with Laxton but that in response MDP had called for the resignation of EC members.

Shareef said that the media reports regarding the South Africa-based Chinese company are untrue and that they will not seek advise or resources from foreign parties for the elections.