Maldives election watchdog has commenced work to hold the 2018 presidential election in September.
An official who spoke from Elections Commission confirmed the authority has commenced preparatory works for elections in September. The official noted that the commission has begun engaging with relevant authorities to collect data and information required prior to elections, noting the commission will release an official statement later.
The Maldives Constitution dictates a presidential election must be held between 120 to 30 days before the conclusion of a term.
Back in 2013 the presidential election was initially announced and held in September 7, however due to mounting disputes it was cancelled moving to a later date.
While the presidential election is drawing closer opposition on multiple accounts had reiterated the commission is under oppression of the government and ruling party.
Meanwhile the commission's president Ahmed Sulaiman had resigned. Following his sudden resignation the commission announced seeking for employment twice, however it is unclear if anyone had been selected to replace Sulaiman.
Although the Maldives United Opposition - the multi-party coalition - has yet to make any formal announcements about whether they are nominating an all-party backed candidate or individual candidates from each party, the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) have officially commenced their presidential campaign.
Prime opposition Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) had affirmed they will announce the party's candidate sometime in June.
Though there were some debate within the ruling party, its executive branch and general members had nominated incumbent president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom to run for a second term.
