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Emergency motion filed by The Democrats dismissed

Malika Shahid
07 June 2023, MVT 11:49
[File] MP Hassan Lateef briefs the press after submitting 3,000 membership forms to the EC
Malika Shahid
07 June 2023, MVT 11:49

The parliament has dismissed the emergency motion filed by Henveiru West MP Hassan Latheef alleging the government of intimidating members of The Democrats.

The Democrats had earlier lodged a complaint with the Elections Commission (EC) and the Maldives Police Service regarding the leak of the list of signatories to The Democrats formed by members aligned with the "Fikurrege Dhirun" movement founded by former President and Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed after he faced defeat in the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s presidential primary.

The Democrats alleged that the members list had been leaked prior to its publication on the EC's website.

In the motion filed by MP Hassan, he said that the government had "stolen" information on the membership forms submitted to the EC on June 1 to call and intimidate the applicants.

"Ministers, heads of state-owned companies and people holding various government positions are carrying out this foul act," Hassan stated in his motion.

MP Hassan raised concerns about alleged intimidation tactics targeting individuals who had applied for student loans, plots, or flats, pressuring them to withdraw their signatures from The Democrats.

He said that it was an act of intimidation similar to what the then government had done to hinder the formation of MDP.

A majority of 33 members voted against accepting and debating the motion, while 16 MPs had voted in favor. A minimum of 25 votes is required for the motion to pass.

While the motion submitted by MP Hassan had been dismissed, the Elections Commission had denied any negligence on their part in the leak of the members list if The Democrats.

After investigating the issue following The Democrats complaint, EC said in a press release that no member or employee of the commission was involved in such an act.

The EC urged the public to refrain from making statements that could undermine confidence in the commission, especially as the upcoming presidential election approaches.

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