MDP claims EC portal access given to ruling party
Hussain Hassan said the commission was acting in a manner that affected the independence of the election process.
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The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Thursday accused the government of influencing the upcoming local council elections and interfering with the conduct of the polls through the Elections Commission (EC).
MDP Vilimalé Constituency President Hussain Hassan made the allegations at a press conference, where he said the commission was acting in a manner that affected the independence of the election process.
Hussain alleged that the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) had access to the online portal used for submitting candidacy forms and for providing support to independent candidates.
He said that when individuals submit support for independent candidates through the eFaas system, the information is immediately available to the PNC.
He said this indicated that the PNC had access to the Elections Commission portal. He said this had been confirmed by accounts shared by members of the public and candidates.
Hussain said the PNC had received information on individuals who supported an independent candidate in Th. Vilufushi.
He alleged that the Elections Commission was facilitating access for the PNC and linked this to the appointment of Elections Commission Chairperson Mohamed Zahir to the President’s Office.
He also criticised a recent legal amendment concerning the appointment of the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Elections Commission, saying it was intended to influence the election process.
“The PNC has access to the Elections Commission portal. They can see who is submitting applications and who is working against the government,” Hussain said.
The Elections Commission and the government have not responded to the allegations.
