Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has stated health and safety of the public must be prioritised over speeding up the election process.
The statement was made by ECM member Fuwad Thaufeeq, during the discussions held on the guidelines set by Health Protection Agency (HPA) to conduct the local council elections amid the State of Public Health Emergency.
Speaking at the meeting, Fuwad said ECM has no vested interest to either speed up or delay the elections. However, he questioned whether this is the best time to conduct the elections, despite the legal issues in conducting the elections with the difficulties and challenges that remain due to COVID-19.
Noting the elections have already been delayed by an year, Fuwad said he does not think delaying it another couple of months would create much more complications. Fuwad said health and safety of the public must take precedence over speeding up the elections, adding he does not recommend speeding up the elections and elevating the health risks associated with it.
During the meeting, ECM called on parties to consider the national interest in conducting elections at this time. ECM stated the expenses of conducting the elections would increase significantly if it is to be held as per the guidelines put forth by HPA.
One of the main concerns raised by parties was the difficulties in campaigning for the elections. As per the HPA guideline, anybody visiting an island for campaign must undergo quarantine for 10 days. In addition, election officials are also required to undergo quarantine for 10 days upon visiting islands.
ECM states conducting elections according to the current HPA guideline would create the opportunity to pose questions on the legitimacy of the election and may force a new election to be held. Therefore, ECM called on parties to consider the best option for the nation and the public in conducting the elections.