Public demands SC to live stream President's election case hearing

Petitions seeking the live-streaming of Supreme Court proceedings on Sunday, over incumbent President Yameen's case to nullify the results of the presidential elections held September 23, are being circulated amongst the public.

The hearing will be presided over by Supreme Court's full bench of five judges, including Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi.

The petition is addressed to the Chief Justice, under the argument that, as the case filed by Incumbent Yameen is relevant to all citizens of the Maldives, proceedings should be open to the public.

In addition, the petition requested that the apex court make arrangements to live-stream the proceedings to the public via state-run media.

As per the Attorney to the President and the President's Representative on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Mohamed Saleen (Reynis Saleem) the case was filed following numerous concerns that were raised by supporters of President Yameen, and ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

However, these developments follow in sharp contrast to the initial polling announcements, following which President Yameen had peacefully and publicly conceded his defeat.

In weeks post the address, PPM ramped up its campaign against the ballot results, casting doubt over the functional independence of EC, and its integrity.

Meanwhile, many global institutions and foreign dignitaries have endorsed the election and offered their congratulations to the opposition coalition victor President-Elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The incumbent government has also assured these same parties that the transition of powers is set to take place in a peaceful manner.

The opposition candidate, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih received 134,704 votes in his favour, winning the presidential election with a pronounced lead of over 38,000 votes against President Yameen who received a total of 96,052 votes, marking the widest margin in a presidential election in the Maldives to date.