SC asks EC to respond in writing to Yameen’s candidacy motion

Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Elections Commission (EC) to respond in writing to the constitutional motion filed at the Supreme Court after the Elections Commission (EC) rejected the jailed opposition leader's candidacy citing his jail sentence.

Yameen filed a constitutional appeal against the EC's decision, and the Supreme Court on Wednesday accepted the appeal. The Supreme Court has asked the EC to submit its written reply by Thursday.

Yameen on Tuesday filed his nomination papers to the Elections Commission to contest the September 9 presidential election as the main opposition PPM's candidate.

In a notification sent to PPM, the commission said Yameen did not meet the eligibility criteria as he was serving a jail sentence of 11 years. 

Yameen's lead attorney and running mate pick, former vice president Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed said on Twitter on Wednesday that a constitutional motion was filed at the Supreme Court Wednesday morning against the Elections Commission decision. 

A court official confirmed to Atoll Times that the motion was accepted.

EC vice president Ismail Habeeb said on Twitter Wednesday evening that the commission has been asked to submit their response in writing by 3pm on Thursday.

According to the election laws, Supreme Court has the final say over candidacy related matters. The court has seven days to decide on such motions. 

Nominations for the September 9 presidential election are being accepted from 9am Sunday to 2pm on August 7 from the election headquarters at Dharubaaruge.

The opposition PPM-PNC has handed over their presidential ticket to Yameen.