EC explains reasoning behind new polling date on working day
The Constitution requires the Election Commission to complete all matters relating to the election 30 days before the start of the new parliamentary session.
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By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
The upcoming parliamentary elections will be held on a Sunday due to the recent amendments to the Elections Act, the Election Commission said.
The bill to amend the law to hold elections after the month of Ramadan was passed by Parliament for the second time on Wednesday, and was finally ratified by the president on Thursday. Thus:
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The Election Commission has changed the date of March 17 to Sunday, April 21; it is not a public holiday, so some people questioned it
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Elections have long been held on Saturdays, which is a public holiday
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Election Commission president Fuad Thaufeeg answered the questions in a post on X, as he is known to do quite often
"[The election was held on that date] because April 21 [Sunday] is the first day available after allowing for 10 days after the end of Ramadan. [And] if further delayed, the new Parliament may not be elected 1 month before the dissolution of the existing Parliament as per the law,” Fuad said.
According to the amendment to the Election Act, no elections can be held during the fasting month. If an election happens to fall at that time, elections will be held 10 days after the end of the fasting month. As per the calendar, this year's fasting month is scheduled to end on April 9. Thus:
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If April 9 is the last day of the month of Ramadan, then the next 10 days will be up on Friday, April 19. Then the election can be held the next day, on Saturday.
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However, if the last day of Ramadan falls on April 10, the next 10 days expire on Saturday, April 20. Then the election will be held as soon as possible on Sunday, April 21
In addition, the Constitution requires the Election Commission to complete all matters relating to the election 30 days before the start of the new parliamentary session. Thus:
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The current 19th parliamentary term expires on May 28
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Therefore, all the election arrangements must be completed before April 28
Former President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih has also criticized the EC for holding it on Sunday. At a rally called 'Dhogu Dholangu', held on Friday evening for the MDP's parliamentary campaign, he accused the commission of being influenced by the government. Solih pointed out that since it will be held on an official working day, it will be difficult for the voters as well as the arrangements.
