Yameen criticises EC over referendum arrangements
Yameen said the referendum concerns the constitutional framework and should not be treated as optional.
Former President Abdulla Yameen on Saturday criticised the Elections Commission of Maldives over its handling of arrangements for the ongoing referendum and elections.
Yameen, leader of the People’s National Front (PNF), made the remarks in an interview with Channel 13 after casting his vote at Ahmadhiyya School.
The vote includes Local Council Elections, Women’s Development Committee (WDC) Elections, and a referendum on whether Presidential and Parliamentary elections should be held at the same time.
Yameen said the referendum concerns the constitutional framework and should not be treated as optional. He called on citizens to participate.
“I call upon all citizens to cast their votes today. Do not view this as a discretionary matter; treat it as a compulsory obligation,” he said.
He said it is the responsibility of the Elections Commission to ensure broad participation. He criticised the arrangements made by the commission.
Among the issues raised, Yameen cited the decision to allow voters to decline ballot papers for specific parts of the vote. He also pointed to the absence of voting arrangements for Maldivians living abroad, noting that no polling stations had been established overseas for the referendum.
He further stated that the commission had not conducted sufficient public awareness efforts to inform voters and encourage participation.
“The EC cannot claim a lack of interest simply because there was little public interest in re-registration. On matters of such national importance, the commission must maintain proactive interest regardless of individual public engagement,” he said.
Voting is taking place from 8:00am to 4:00pm. According to the Elections Commission, 294,937 individuals are eligible to vote.
