Amendment proposes ban on elections in Ramadan
Elections Commission has fixed March 17, which falls on the seventh day of the fasting month of Ramadan, for the parliamentary elections.
An amendment has been proposed to the Elections (General) Act to prevent any elections from being held during the month of Ramadan.
The Elections Commission has fixed March 17, which falls on the seventh day of the fasting month of Ramadan, for the parliamentary elections. Several members of the public as well as parties have expressed concern over the election being held during the month of Ramadan.
With those concerns, MDP MP Mohamed Shifau has moved an amendment to the law.
His proposed amendment reads:
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Although the law says otherwise, no elections shall be held during the month of Ramadan
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If the date of the election coincides with a day of the month of Ramadan, the election shall be held 10 days after the end of the month of Ramadan
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The register of eligible voters shall be made public 45 days prior to an election
Under the current law, parliamentary elections must be announced 120 days before the end of the current parliamentary term.
The Elections Commission said on Tuesday that it had no option but to hold the parliamentary election in Ramadan due to the deadlines specified in the law.
PPP Vice President Ahmed Shiyam, who also serves as the fisheries minister, also said that the date could be postponed if there were concerns.
The parliament will break from recess and open for the year on February 5.
