The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has indicated that members of the Elections Commission (EC) will be dismissed if the commission continues with plans to hold parliamentary elections in Ramadan.
Speaking at a press conference held by the MDP's parliamentary group today, Deputy Speaker Ahmed Saleem said the existing laws allow the EC to postpone the elections after Ramadan.
"This matter is very clear. But the Elections Commission blames the law as an excuse when there is no reason. If they continue this, we have to show that we are losing confidence in them. We will do that if the need arises," Saleem said.
The Parliament recently passed a bill banning elections during the fasting month of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. Ramadan begins on March 10 this year while the EC has scheduled the elections for March 17.
The amendment to the General Elections Act approved by the Parliament was sent to the President's Office on February 12. However, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has not yet ratified the bill.
