Court issues rulings in seven election related cases
All seven are from Thimarafushi island of Thaa atoll, and were seeking to add their names to the island’s voters list
Maldives\' High Court
The High Court has concluded all cases filed regarding the parliamentary elections by seven plaintiffs, over their names not being included in the voters’ list.
All seven are from Thimarafushi island of Thaa atoll, and were seeking to add their names to the island’s voters list, after the Elections Commission of Maldives (EC) refused to accept their grievances. The Commission noted that they had failed to submit the complaints before the given deadline; March 19.
Noting that the ECM’s decision was “as per laws,” High Court on Thursday ruled- separately- that it has no constitutional or legal basis to order make any orders on the Commission.
Furthermore, the court highlighted the General Elections Act states that any issues regarding the voters’ list must be submitted to the High Court, within five days of receipt of the decision of the Elections Commission.
It added that failing within the give period to do so means that they had forfeiting their right to do so.
The High Court “shall give a decision regarding a matter raised pursuant to this subsection within not more than fifteen (15) days of the application,” reads the General Elections Act.
According to the Elections Commission, 264,589 people are eligible to vote in the elections scheduled for Saturday.
