Elections Commission (EC) has announced that individuals who are deemed as 'hiding' from Maldives Police Service's investigations, can vote only at their registered constituencies.
EC adhered to this decision as requested by the police.
These names include individuals who reside abroad. However an exact number of these people are unknown.
According to EC member Ahmed Akram, the police have accordingly informed EC about the individuals who are stalling investigation by hiding from the authorities, and that these people are designated to vote only at their registered voting spot.
"After consulting for legal advice within the Elections Commission, we have green-lighted the procedure", said Akram.
Furthermore, Akram stated that EC had given ample time for these individuals for re-registeration. Any individual who did not follow through with the re-registration would have to vote at their originally registered constituency.
"No citizen will be barred of their right to vote. They will, by default, have the right to cast their vote at their registered district", said Akram.
Among these individuals reported to be in hiding are people involved in the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) scandal and the attempted murder of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. The individuals have been issued a red notice, and ordered to return to Maldives to cooperate with the investigation.
Additionally, individuals who have sought political asylum abroad are barred from casting vote in the upcoming elections. This includes former President Mohamed Nasheed as well as the founder of Jumhooree Party (JP) Qasim Ibrahim.
According to EC, Nasheed and Qasim are due for their sentencing, which prevents them from voting in the September 23 election.
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