Transparency criticises Fayyaz's campaign disruption warning
"Threatening to restrict the right of candidates to campaign is unconstitutional and unacceptable," Transparency Maldives said in a tweet.
Transparency Maldives on Monday expressed its displeasure over MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail's warning on Sunday that the opposition will not be allowed to campaign if the ruling MDP's presidential campaign is disrupted.
At President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's campaign tour of Fuvahmulah on Sunday, a large number of PPM-PNC supporters held various protests and demonstrations in the island. The protests led to clashes between police and civilians, with some people arrested and injured.
"The president is a very humble person. We are not so humble. If they always obstruct our campaign in that way, they will not be able to campaign in a single island in Maldives," Fayyaz said.
Fayyaz’s threat has drawn widespread criticism, with Transparency Maldives tweeting on Monday that campaigning is a fundamental right.
"Threatening to restrict the right of candidates to campaign is unconstitutional and unacceptable," Transparency Maldives said in a tweet.
"All candidates must be guaranteed the right to campaign and seek support."
Under Article 28(a) of the General Elections Act, every candidate has the right to campaign for the support of voters in the election.
