High Court yet to rule on eFaas challenge after nomination deadline

The High Court has yet to issue a decision on a constitutional case challenging the use of the eFaas digital identification system for local council election nominations, despite the nomination deadline expiring on Sunday.

The case was filed last week on behalf of People’s National Front senator and lawyer Adam Asif, contesting a decision by the Elections Commission to require the use of the eFaas platform for submitting nomination forms and obtaining endorsements for independent candidates.

The official deadline for filing nominations closed at 5:00 pm on Sunday. However, no ruling has been issued on the constitutional challenge.

Lawyer Ali Shah, who is representing the petitioner, told Atoll Times that the delay in hearing the case was a concern, given the time-sensitive nature of election-related matters.

He said cases of this nature require prompt consideration and that delays could affect access to justice.

Shah said that even though the nomination deadline has passed, the High Court should proceed with hearing the case and issue a ruling. He added that if the court determines the requirement to be unlawful, the Elections Commission would be required to reopen the nomination process in accordance with the law.

The petition asks the High Court to declare that the requirement to submit support forms through eFaas violates the General Elections Act and the Local Council Elections Act.

Concerns were also raised over delays in court proceedings involving challenges to government decisions, with some cases remaining pending for extended periods.