The ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) stated Wednesday evening that it does not recognise the Elections Commission (EC)'s decision to declare the party's recently held Extraordinary Congress as "invalid".
EC had declared earlier the same day that the congress was 'invalid' due to a failure in its procedural undertaking with regards to PPM's charter.
In a statement issued in response, PPM asserted that the congress was held after receiving approval from the party's council and with the participation of representatives, as per the charter.
PPM further noted that the party had informed EC accordingly of the progress, and that the commission had given its approval as well as sent observers to the congress, which was held behind closed doors.
Highlighting that the party had promptly answered all the questions posed by EC's observers who, in turn, conceded that the congress was held in accordance with policies and regulations, PPM stated that the commission did not have any lawful authority to now declare the congress invalid.
The party described EC's abrupt decision as an "irresponsible" act. PPM further pointed out that EC's declaration came soon after the ruling party questioned the commission's independence over doubts raised about the recent presidential election's legitimacy. The party declared that such an act implied that there was truth to the doubts regarding EC's independence.
The congress held just a week after the presidential election, saw President Abdulla Yameen Abdula Gayoom declared as PPM's new leader, while four vice presidents and council members were also appointed. PPM also passed a resolution on how the party will proceed as the opposition after the new President-Elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who won the presidential election, is sworn in on November 17.
Prior to EC's decision to declare the congress invalid, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and his supporters had raised concerns over the congress. Gayoom had filed a letter with EC, saying that PPM rushing to host a congress without giving much notice deprived many members of the opportunity to apply or campaign for the various posts in the party. He also noted that a congress cannot be held without the approval of PPM's council, which, according to Gayoom, no longer has the authority to approve as their term expired in January.
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