Rifts in EC continues; Fuad mulls resignation
Fuad had overseen the recent presidential elections amid the conflict among his fellow members at EC, and the public praised him for it.
By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
Fuad Thaufeeg said on Sunday that he is considering resigning from the post of president of the Elections Commission (EC), as rifts among the commissioners that began six months ago continues.
Fuad and several other members of the commission had a dispute during the registration process of The Democrats party, led by former President Mohammed Nasheed, last July.
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Commissionner Ali Nashath accused Fuad of hastily giving permission to The Democrats; Fuad denies
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Two members of the commission refused to grant permission without further examination of the forms
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In the midst of this conflict, The Democrats were authorised to be formed, one month after their application had been made
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The commission later said the differences had escalated as the September presidential election approached
Some newspapers have reported that Fuad has now decided to resign as the chairman of the commission. However, speaking to Atoll Times on Sunday, Fuad said that was "not entirely true".
"I have not resigned yet, nor have I decided to resign... [but] I am still considering resigning because of the challenges within the commission," said Fuad, who is serving his second term as commission chairman.
Amidst the disputes among the EC members, a vote without legal force was taken to remove Fuad from the post of the commission chairman. However, according to the Commission Act, that was never going to work.
Fuad told Atoll Times on Sunday:
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He is considering resigning as the chairman of the commission and moving on to another position or job
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There are still differences of opinion among three members of the commission; The three members do not cooperate
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It has been shared with the relevant authorities
"It's really difficult mentally and in every way to live in a place where three out of five members are in conflict. The work cannot be done properly," Fuad said.
Fuad noted that although these concerns have been shared with the parliament, no solution has been found yet.
"So i think I should do what I can and just leave nicely," Fuad said very disappointedly.
"So, I'm thinking about it [resigning]. However, I haven't filed yet”.
The three members who are in conflict with Fuad are:
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Dr Mohammed Zahir
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Mohammed Asif
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Ali Nashath
"They want me out because they [the three members against him] cant do things the way they want with me here. I cannot agree to violate the rights of the people [and] when they come to register a party, citing various reasons and not doing so," he added.
In addition, he advised on the division of parliamentary constituencies and advocated for it to be done properly as parliament elections are upcoming, he said.
"So, it will be difficult for them if who is the chair of the commission will not do things the way they want. The biggest problem is not doing what they want," he repeated.
Fuad was praised by the public for his professionalism and impartiality during the presidential election. Fuad thanked the people for that.
“I will always work in accordance with the law and the rules and protect the rights of the people,” he said.
