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No basis to delay election, claims EC

There is no legal basis to delay the parliamentary election, says Elections Commission (EC) of Maldives.

EC's comment comes after opposing progressive coalition declared that the current environment of Maldives does not allow for the conduction of a free and fair election and requested to delay the election.

Speaking to AVAS on the opposition's proposition, EC member Ahmed Akram said the electoral watchdog will have discussions on the proposition as it was formally submitted at the commission by the opposition. However, the commission does not believe there is any reason to delay the election, said Akram.

"There is no legal reason to impede the election any later than the scheduled date. We will send a formal response to PPM [Progressive Party of Maldives] after discussion", said Akram.

The parliamentary elections have been slated for April 6th. Earlier, PPM requested the Civil Court to delay the Local Council Election, which was subsequently granted by the court.