Yameen criticises signature requirement for independent candidates
Yameen said the EC’s role was to conduct elections and count votes in accordance with the law.
Former President Abdulla Yameen on Sunday criticised the requirement for independent candidates to obtain 50 signatures in order to contest the upcoming local council elections.
Speaking on the issue, Yameen said the Elections Commission (EC) had introduced a condition that was not provided for in the law. He said independent candidates were now required to secure the support of 50 individuals and submit the endorsements through the eFaas system.
Yameen made the remarks after EC member Hassan Zakariyya told the PSM programme Raajje Miadhu that around 100 candidacy forms had been received as of Saturday. Zakariyya said independent candidates would need to demonstrate the support of 50 people and that this could be done through the online portal.
Yameen said the EC’s role was to conduct elections and count votes in accordance with the law, and that the commission did not have the authority to impose additional conditions for candidacy.
He said candidates contesting as independents without joining a political party were not required by law to obtain 50 signatures in order to run for office.
Yameen said the requirement would create difficulties for independent candidates, adding that it would affect all prospective candidates who were not contesting under a party banner.
Online nominations for the upcoming local council elections are currently open and will close on 1 February at 3:30 pm.
The elections will be held to elect members of local councils and members of the Women’s Development Committees across 225 constituencies. The Elections Commission has said a total of 621 ballot boxes will be set up for the polls.
