Amidst the political turmoil, Maldives will hold presidential elections in September, the election commission has announced
Maldivian police officers detain an opposition protestor demanding the release of political prisoners during a protest in Male. Pic/AFP
Amidst the political turmoil, Maldives will hold presidential elections in September, the election commission has announced. The announcement was welcomed by incumbent President Abdulla Yameen, who is at loggerheads with the opposition, including the self-exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed.
The commission has commenced preparatory works for the elections in September, according to an official statement on Thursday without mentioning the date of polling. It noted that the commission has begun engaging with relevant authorities to collect data and information required prior to elections, noting the commission will release an official statement later.
It said that a second round, if necessary, would be held within 21 days from the election day. The President’s Office in a statement said it welcomed the announcement and encouraged all relevant stakeholders to offer the Elections Commission their full, unreserved support for the conduct of their work.
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