Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called for an end to intimidation and framing of candidates contesting the upcoming Local Council Elections.

A statement released by the biggest opposition party said that there has been a marked increase in the efforts to nullify the candidacies of the contestants from the Party. The statement condemned these actions and called to stop such actions.

MDP said the Government had compromised the integrity of independent institutions, delaying the elections and abuse of Maldives Police Service, all with the intention to frame candidates.

All these actions, the Party said, only served to denigrate public faith and confidence in institutions such as Police, Elections Commissions and Courts and compromise the free and fair nature of elections.

The statement said that these developments were deeply concerning and called to cease such activities.