K. Male'
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15 Mar 2020 | Sun 16:16
The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM)
The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM)
Yoosuf Sofwan Rasheed
LCE 2020
EC seeks High Court order to delay local council elections, indefinitely
President of ECM Ahmed Shareef stated that the request was made due to the fact that elections cannot be held on the scheduled date under the current circumstances.
The local council and women's development committee elections were originally slated for April 4th.
The elections were postponed to April 18th in compliance with the of a State of Health Emergency declared on Thursday.

The Elections Commission of Maldives (EC) has filed a case at the High Court, seeking to postpone the upcoming local council and women's development committee elections indefinitely.

During a press briefing held on Sunday, commission President Ahmed Shareef stated that the case was filed due to the fact that elections cannot be held on the scheduled date under the current circumstances.

The elections, slated for April 4, was previously delayed by two weeks.

Noting that a state of public health emergency is declared until April 11, Shareef said that there will not be enough time to campaign before the new set date of April 18.

While the EC has filed the case as a constitutional matter, the EC president added that it is "highly likely" for political parties to intervene in the case.

Shareef further added that the elections are being postponed to prevent repeat expenses.

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