Conduct campaign activities without infringing on other candidates' rights: HRCM

Human Rights Commission of Maldives has appealed on Sunday for all to conduct campaign activities for the upcoming Parliamentary Elections in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of any other candidates.

The statement released yesterday began by citing the right to campaign guaranteed to candidates by law.

Article 28(a) of the General Elections Act states, "Every candidate standing for election has the right to campaign to get support from the electorate of the electoral constituency for which he is standing for election".

The statement then highlights citizens' right to support any candidate of their choosing and to participate in political activity as per Articles 26 and 30 of the Maldives' Constitution.

HRCM then states that it has come to their attention that some, through campaigning, are resorting to anti-campaigning and spreading misinformation or mistruths about candidates or political parties, bribery, vote buying and selling, threatening job security, vandalizing campaign posters and other material and obstructing campaign activities.

"We call on all to refrain from any actions that may infringe on an electoral right of a candidate, or on the right to vote of an individual. We call on relevant State authorities to take appropriate action against those persons found to be engaging in such activities," the statement read.

The commission further said that it had received information via social media that with the campaigns intensifying as the polling day nears, there are instances of promising jobs and positions on condition of voting for certain candidates, as well as threats of being dismissed from jobs if certain other candidates are being openly supported by the individual.

HRCM expressed deep concerns regarding such actions and called for swift action to be taken by relevant authorities.

The commission reminded candidates to proceed with campaigning while showing respect to other fellow candidates, and to engage in legitimate, competitive campaigning with good discipline and ethics.

"We call on all candidates, political parties, State institutions, and individuals to engage in competitive campaigning within the boundaries of law to ensure that the parliamentary elections are a free and fair election," the statement concluded.