Progressive Congress has on Saturday sought from the Elections Commission (EC) to delay the approaching Parliamentary Election.
This was announced through a press conference on Saturday.
President of the People’s National Congress (PNC) Abdul Raheem Abdulla stated that they reached the following as they believe the current environment of the country does not pave way for a safe election to be held. One of the reasons they made the decision to seek a postponement is due to their leader, former President Abdulla Yameen’s detention.
“President Yameen is one the most supported leaders in the country. It weakens us that he is behind bars all by himself. His detention also impacts on the campaigns of our candidates” said Raheem.
He stated the other reason to postpone the election as the confiscation of former Legal Affairs Minister at the President’s Office, Azima Shakoor’s passport, and reports of the authorities working to confiscate the passports of others.
Raheem also stated that ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) members are threatening the opposition coalition candidates. As such, MDP members have threatened to put PPM PG leader Ahmed Nihan behind bars.
Although the Progressive Congress has sought to delay the election date, the Elections Commission had stated that they have no reason to delay the date by legal means.
The election is scheduled for 6th April.
