Tag: Adhaalath

Select committee decides composition of ‘241’ security services committees

The composition of parliament’s ‘241’ security services committee has been determined today by a five-member select committee chosen at Monday’s sitting.

Article 241 of the constitution states, “A committee of the People’s Majlis shall be established to exercise continuing oversight of the operations of the security services. The committee shall include representation from all the different political parties within the People’s Majlis.”

Parliamentary rules dictate proportional representation in standing committees for political parties based on the number of MPs in each party.

The select committee decided to allocate four seats for the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), three seats for the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), two seats for the Jumhooree Party (JP), and one seat each for the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) and the Adhaalath Party (AP).

Along with Independent MP Muaz Mohamed Rasheed, the committee will consist of 12 MPs.

The select committee decided the number of seats to allocate for each party in the other 12 standing committees during meetings yesterday.

The PPM with 38 MPs will have five seats each from 11 committees and four seats from one committee while the MDP with 25 MPs will have four seats from nine committees and one seat from three committees.

The JP with 15 MPs will have two seats each from 11 committees and one seat from one committee.

The MDA with its five MPs will have one seat from eight committees while Adhaalath Party MP Anara Naeem and Independent MP Muaz will each sit in two committees.

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Independent MP for Nilandhoo Abdulla Khaleel signs for PPM

Independent MP for Faafu Nilandhoo Abdulla Khaleel has signed for the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) today, bringing the ruling party’s number of MPs to 38 and the Progressive Coalition’s tally to 43 out of 85 seats.

Khaleel defeated incumbent PPM MP Abdul Muhsin Hameed by a one-vote margin – which increased to three votes following a recount – in the March 22 parliamentary polls.

Speaking to the press after signing the membership form at a ceremony in Muleeage this afternoon – attended by President Abdulla Yameen, Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed and Tourism Minister Ahmed Adeeb – Khaleel said he began his political career alongside friends who were currently in PPM, adding that he saw his future in the party.

“I support this government’s economic agenda very much and God willing I will have a role among Majlis members in achieving the important objectives of that agenda,” he said.

With Khaleel’s signing, four out of five independent MPs elected to the 18th People’s Majlis as well as one opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP have now joined the PPM, leaving Madaveli MP Muaz Mohamed Rasheed the sole independent.

Together with the five MPs of coalition partner Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), the governing coalition now has 43 seats – the simple majority required to pass legislation and approve presidential appointments.

The Progressive Coalition – made up of the PPM, Jumhooree Party (JP) and Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) – had however secured a combined total of 57 seats in the March 22 polls.

Following a dispute over the speaker’s post, the PPM severed its coalition agreement with the JP last week. The JP had won 15 seats.

President Yameen however told reporters at the signing ceremony today that PPM was still willing to work with the estranged coalition partner, professing “respect” for JP leader Gasim Ibrahim.

“I believe there is still the opportunity for us to work together with the JP,” he said.

While nine political appointees belonging to the JP – including Transport Minister Ameen Ibrahim – have been dismissed in the wake of the coalition’s breakup, Yameen noted that three cabinet ministers as well as board members of state-owned enterprises occupying JP slots remained in the government.

Yameen denied pressuring the JP members to sign for the ruling party to retain their government jobs, adding that it was “up to them to decide” how best to serve the nation.

The president also said that a clear majority in parliament would enable his administration to implement the PPM manifesto and carry out mega infrastructure projects.

“We wanted to keep the speaker’s post in our party for that reason as well. God willing, we will be able to carry on our government’s work swiftly when more members of the People’s Majlis join our party,” he said.

Yameen added that the party’s aim was to take the Maldives to “a whole other stage” of economic development.

Some MPs of the opposition MDP – the minority party in parliament with 25 seats – have also given assurances that they would cooperate with the executive, Yameen said.

Most MPs believe that political rivalry should be “set aside” in favour of working together in the public interest, he added.

“So God willing, our hope is to get a clear majority of the People’s Majlis in the not-so-distant future,” he said.

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PPM MP Maseeh elected speaker, MDP MP ‘Reeko’ Moosa Manik deputy speaker

Ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) MP Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed and opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP ‘Reeko’ Moosa Manik have been elected speaker and deputy speaker of the 18th People’s Majlis, respectively.

Fuvamulah South MP Maseeh was elected with a simple majority of 43 votes while Jumhooree Party (JP) Leader Gasim Ibrahim received 39 votes.

Hulhuhenveiru MP Moosa Manik was elected with 42 votes while PPM contender Abdul Raheem Abdulla received 41 votes.

Voting took place through secret ballot at the first sitting of the new parliament following a swearing-in ceremony in the morning, where the oath of office for the 85 MPs-elect was administered by Chief Justice Ahmed Faiz Hussain.

The ballots were counted by a five-member committee chosen at the beginning of the sitting with unanimous consent of all MPs present.

In the vote to elect the speaker, two ballots were invalidated as they were not marked with the designated pen. One ballot was not counted in the vote to elect the deputy speaker as the MP had voted for both candidates.

JP MP Mohamed Hussain who chaired today’s sitting did not participate in the vote. The veteran MP presided over the first sitting in accordance with Article 82 of the constitution, which states, “Until such time as a speaker and a deputy Speaker is elected the People’s Majlis shall be presided over by the consecutively longest serving member from among those present.”

Coalition on the rocks

The ruling Progressive Coalition meanwhile appeared on the brink of collapse yesterday as the dispute over the speaker’s post saw the PPM threaten to sever its coalition agreement with the JP if Gasim Ibrahim did not withdraw his candidacy.

The business tycoon, however, refused and accused the PPM of breaching the coalition agreement by not providing 35 percent of political posts and failing to include the JP in decision-making.

After Gasim’s name was nominated at today’s sitting, Tourism Minister Ahmed Adeeb told local media before the vote was taken that the JP was no longer part of the coalition.

The PPM deputy leader revealed that the decision was made last night by the ruling party’s council, adding that the council would ask President Abdulla Yameen to dismiss political appointees belonging to the JP.

The parties entered a formal coalition agreement ahead of last year’s presidential election run-off between former President Mohamed Nasheed and PPM candidate Abdulla Yameen after Gasim placed third.

Gasim’s endorsement of Yameen proved to be crucial in the PPM-led coalition’s narrow victory in the second round of November’s presidential polls.

After a joint campaign for the parliamentary polls in March, the Progressive Coalition secured 53 out of 85 seats. The PPM won 33 seats, followed by the MDP with 26 seats, JP with 15 seats, MDA with five seats, independent candidates with five seats and the Adhaalath Party with one seat.

Neither party won enough seats to reach the 43-vote simple majority.

Shortly after the polls, three out of the five independent candidates as well as MDP MP-elect Mohamed Musthafa signed for the ruling party, bringing the PPM’s numbers to 37 MPs.

MDP

The opposition MDP had decided to support Gasim after announcing eight conditions for supporting a candidate.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed – acting president of the main opposition party – meanwhile led a small group of MDP protesters outside the parliament house, calling on the government to fulfil campaign pledges.

Speaking to reporters, Nasheed accused President Abdulla Yameen and PPM Leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom of attempting to control all powers of the state.

Contending that the PPM had no intention of honouring its coalition agreement with the JP, Nasheed said that the current administration was “based on a lie.”

“So I am hoping that the government will soon be changed. I don’t see how the government can be sustained with 25 percent support,” he said.

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Committee approves amendment for state to cover expenses of president’s and vice president’s private residences

A parliamentary committee has approved amendments proposed to the law governing remuneration and benefits for the president and vice president for the state to cover expenses of the pair’s private residences.

If the president and vice president choose not to live in the official residences, the amendments stipulate that the state should provide employees and cover other expenses out of the budget allocated for the official residence.

The amendments submitted by Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) MP Riyaz Rasheed were sent to a select committee for review following preliminary debate on March 31.

The bill was sent to committee with 29 votes in favour and 17 against with no abstentions. While pro-government MPs voted in favour, MPs of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) voted against the legislation.

After completing the review process in two meetings, the seven-member committee voted unanimously to send the bill (Dhivehi) without any changes to the People’s Majlis floor, where it will be put to a vote.

In addition to Riyaz Rasheed, the select committee comprised of government-aligned Jumhooree Party (JP) MPs Ilham Ahmed, Hussain Mohamed, and Ahmed Sameer along with PPM MP Moosa Zameer, Maldives Development Alliance MP Ahmed Amir, and Adhaalath Party MP Ibrahim Muttalib.

The opposition MDP was not represented in the committee.

Immediately after being sworn in on November 17, President Abdulla Yameen announced he and his vice president – Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed –  would be fulfilling a campaign pledge of only taking half of the MVR100,000 (US$6500) salary afforded to the head of state.

“The reason behind this is that Dr Jameel and I both live a simple life. No matter what has been said about us we are not wealthy. We want to be an example to others and lead by example,” Yameen said.

After assuming office, President Yameen announced that he would continue to live in his private residence while Dr Jameel moved into the official vice presidential residence, Hilaaleege.

However, despite Yameen’s decision, the budget allocated for the official residence was increased by MVR2 million (US$130,208) in the state budget for 2014 – rising to MVR19.1 million (US$1.2 million).

In December last year, Parliament’s Budget Review Committee Chair Gasim Ibrahim – leader of the JP – said the increased budget was necessary in case the president decides to move to Muleeage.

Highlighting the increased budget for Muleeage at the time, MDP Spokesperson Hamid Abdul Ghafoor described Yameen’s decision to live in his personal house as a “symbolic act.”

“Unlike in the past, even media points out inconsistencies in what leaders say and what reality presents these days. I do not believe the public will be deluded about any of this,” Hamid said.

“While Yameen might have thought his decision will get people thinking that he is a humble man, reality is that ultimately, the state is having to spend much more of its funds to maintain this decision of his. People are much more aware now than in previous PPM times. People can see he’s just trying to score political points.”

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Comment: The enigma of the Adhaalath Party and their radical politics

In the autumn of the first elected democratic government, the Adhaalath Party (AP) brought in major radical reforms and sidelined their original party leadership. The freedom they enjoyed after the 2008 elections became a chance for opportunists among them to seek personal vendettas in politics.

The radicalisation of the AP became most prominent when they gathered on the 23rd of December in 2011 to honour and glorify Allah by becoming the judges of Allah. This reminded me of the assassin who brutally murdered Caliph Ali Ibn Abi Tholib saying, “There is no judge other than Allah” portraying himself as the judge in killing the leader of Muslims.

In a similar fashion, the 23rd December alliance portrayed themselves as judges in becoming the triggermen for ousting their ‘un-Islamic’ president, proclaiming him an infidel. These repercussions were the result of a speech given by President Mohamed Nasheed in Denmark to a predominantly non-Muslim audience regarding the growing fundamentalism of Islam.

The gist of his speech suggested that the way the holy Quran and Prophets words or Hadhith was interpreted by some sheikhs created polarisation among Muslims – a theory widely agreed upon by several Muslim scholars around the world. The radical ideology created by the AP, however, was that they were the only learned Islamic scholars who could glorify Islam – in a country which has been practicing Islam for hundreds of years without any radicalisation or polarisation.

The opposition of Nasheed’s government at the time intelligently utilised the AP as bait in instigating continuous and consistent public strikes, by deceiving the minds of faithful Muslims. The AP was given the role of labelling the government un-Islamic and creating fear among the faithful Muslims that ‘God’s treasured nation’ with one hundred percent Muslims will become a Christian or an atheist nation.

The public became more engaged when small radical groups sponsored by envious politicians came out in public demanding religious freedom. The fall of democracy began with more and more hatred and with the charismatic sheikhs becoming highly pragmatic and vocal against Nasheed -calling him and his regime un-Islamic, accusing him of forming allegiances with Christians and Jews.

The more moderate sheikhs kept their mouths shut and hence did an injustice to naive Islam-loving citizens. One exception was an apolitical sheikh who, through media, spread a silent interpretation in which he claimed the ousting of the leader of a nation who is in Islamic faith is against prophet’s teaching. However, the media turned a blind eye to these words, being more interested in bad news – as bad news is always good news for them.

On the February 7th of 2012 the storm struck and the elected president was ousted. The AP completed their assignment with high distinction. Hence they became powerful and vocal, and got a fair share from the government labelled as a “coup regime” by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

To most people, the AP was Sheikh Imran, the ‘mighty mouth piece’ of AP who seemingly acts as God’s judge in giving verdicts to defame their opponents as infidels. The people became nostalgic and now could not decide what was right or wrong. The arrogance, pride, and prejudice the sheikh holds against his opponents in fact became so controversial that many in the public came to regard him as a disgrace to Islam. The irony was that no sheikh or learned scholar was able to criticise him. The reality was that most of the learned Islamic scholars were behind the AP, supporting them and looking for opportunities to promote their political careers.

When the time came for parties to prepare for 2013 presidential elections, the AP had a misconception that they were the playmakers in the game, as they believed their high distinction in toppling governments could always change things in their favour. However, the incumbent president was not well convinced and disagreed with them. The opportunists among them demanded large amounts of money according to pundits, which turned off Dr Mohamed Waheed.

This rejection led them to join with Ibrahim Gasim.  They went through the first round with Gasim and were unable to beat the MDP. The obvious second round dragged them to a dilemma and they could not keep their word. It was strange for such people acting on behalf of God and claiming to glorify Islam to show such hypocrisy in their decision-making.

The watchful public then started feeling disgust over the so called truthful, honest, Islam-glorifying sheikhs. The public in fact saw them as unable to make up their mind and lacking in any principles or political ideologies, but rather becoming hitch-hikers and opportunists.

To make matters worse, the AP became much weaker in the new government than they had been under the governance of their arch-rival Nasheed. To their dismay, the old loyal sheikh and classmate of Gayoom – who was cartooned and lampooned by AP sheikhs previously – became their superior in a ministry they had sole control of in the past.

The hitch-hikers finally realised their position when their coalition partners defied their request to allocate some constituents for them to compete for parliament. For them the AP was just a parasite and a pain in their rears. Overwhelmed with lack of support they contested against their partners with the hope of winning over them. However, the already intimidated public rejected their candidates, with the exception of a famous woman with a high reputation for being modest and open minded.

The AP have gradually understood their position in the coalition and have become so weak, they now have to bow down to politicians far more ‘un-Islamic’ than Nasheed. The dilemmas and the enigmas now made them see that ‘There is no judge other than Allah’ and no one can claim to be a judge on behalf of Allah.

The educated elite behind AP want a reform, but regaining public trust is an issue they must overcome. To make matters worse, all major political parties want them to be sidelined as radical fundamentalist Islam is not accepted anywhere in the world, and the supreme leader of the PPM has a powerful aversion to sheikhs. Most of the AP sheikhs also have gone into hiding from public, realising that they had abused a naive public into believing an ideology they created with no basis or principle.

Their arrogance has led several sheikhs allied with them to fall silent and perhaps even to repent for their mistakes in throwing the state in to chaos in the name of Islam. For AP to rise up they need to create a political ideology to play politics equally well with their competitors. The use of Islam, and claiming to be the sole authority of glorifying Islam is no longer a slogan they can sell to public as their competitors now all have equally learned sheikhs with them.

All comment pieces are the sole view of the author and do not reflect the editorial policy of Minivan News. If you would like to write an opinion piece, please send proposals to [email protected]

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Majlis elections: EC announces preliminary results, coalition secures parliament majority

The Elections Commission (EC) has announced preliminary results of Saturday’s parliamentary elections for 71 of the 85 constituencies.

Acting EC Chair Mohamed Farooq told the press yesterday that the delay in the full announcement had been due to result sheets faxed from across the country being unclear.

Farooq had explained earlier that preliminary results are uploaded to the EC website after double checking the sheets to ensure there were no errors or inconsistencies.

While the results of more than 40 constituencies were announced yesterday, the EC resumed announcing the rest this morning, reaching 71 as of the time of press.

With almost all result sheets checked, the results published on the EC website for the remaining 14 constituencies are unlikely to change.

The EC reopened five ballot boxes in the presence of candidate representatives and the media last night after discovering mismatches in the number of votes received by candidates and the total votes cast.

The recount did not affect the outcome of the polls in any of the five constituencies.

Seat count

Preliminary results show that of the 85 seats in the People’s Majlis, the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) won 33 seats along with 15 seats and five seats respectively for coalition partners Jumhooree Party (JP) and the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA).

The Progressive Coalition secured a combined total of 53 seats, well above the 43 simple majority required to pass legislation.

Independent candidates won in five constituencies while the religious conservative Adhaalath Party (AP) took one seat.

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) secured 26 seats, which was the same number of seats it won in the first multi-party parliamentary elections in May 2009.

The main opposition party suffered surprising defeats in traditional strongholds such as the capital Malé, Gaaf Dhaal Thinadhoo, Haa Alif, and Addu City.

Of the 28 incumbent MPs who failed to retain their seats, 17 were from the MDP, four from the PPM, three from the JP, two independent MPs, one Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party MP and one Adhaalath Party MP.

While 23 female candidates competed in the elections, only five were elected, including three MDP candidates, one PPM candidate and one Adhaalath Party candidate.

In a preliminary statement on the polls, NGO Transparency Maldives noted that the Maldives was “currently ranked 129th place in the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s index of parliaments in terms of gender balance.”

With 189,482 votes cast, the turnout on Saturday was 78.80 percent. The number of eligible voters was 240,652.*

Voter turnout in Male’ was well below the national average. With the exception of Galolhu South at 70 percent, turnout in other constituencies in the capital was below 65 percent.

The lowest turnout was for the Maafanu North constituency at 50 percent.

Obstacles and independents

In the wake of the coalition’s victory at the polls, Tourism Minister Ahmed Adeeb – deputy leader of the PPM – has asserted that that there are now no “obstacles” now for the administration of President Abdulla Yameen to implement the PPM manifesto and fulfil campaign pledges.

“God willing, we will use the trust placed in us by citizens responsibly and work through parliament to give legal power to the [policies] in our manifesto,” he said.

The government’s 207-bill legislative agenda includes amending pension laws, designating special economic zones, and strengthening the legal framework for foreign direct investments.

Adeeb said the government has received congratulations from international partners and foreign investors.

Adeeb also revealed yesterday that some independent candidates have expressed interest in joining the PPM.

While 114 independent candidates contested the Majlis polls, only five were elected. Of the 302 candidates, 188 contested on party tickets.

Following his loss to an independent candidate, JP MP for Lhaviyani Naifaru, Ahmed Mohamed, accused the PPM of attempting to “destroy” its coalition partner.

The veteran MP explained to online news outlet CNM that PPM members contested as independents in constituencies assigned for the JP in the seat allocation deal reached among the coalition parties.

While the independent candidate – Ahmed Shiyam – used the PPM party office, colour and logo in his campaign for the Naifaru seat, Ahmed alleged that the government gave jobs and promotions in the nearby Felivaru fish cannery at his request.

“And if that wasn’t enough, [they] anti-campaigned against me while voting was ongoing,” he claimed.

JP MP for the Hithadhoo South constituency, MP Hassan Latheef, also accused the PPM of campaigning against him after two senior members of the ruling party contested as independents.

Speaking to the press in Hithadhoo yesterday, Latheef reportedly alleged that the PPM members used money to bribe voters and influence within the government to provide jobs.

Latheef also noted that he was not invited to a campaign rally in Hithadhoo last week that was attended by President Yameen. The two independent candidates were however present at the rally, he said.

JP Leader Gasim Ibrahim meanwhile told the press yesterday that the party lost 12 out of the 28 seats it contested for because of coalition party members contesting as independents as well as Adhaalath Party candidates competing in 12 constituencies.

He however added that the winning independent candidates were likely to join coalition parties in the near future.

Along with the five independent MPs-elect and the Adhaalath party MP-elect Anara Naeem, the Progressive Coalition would be six votes short of the super-majority needed to amend the constitution.

*Figures amended upon the release of the Majlis official results – 29.03.14

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People’s Majlis elections 2014

Over 300 candidates will today contest for 85 seats in the 18th People’s Majlis as the Maldives holds its second multiparty parliamentary polls.

Representatives of the governing Progressive Coalition have been divided among constituencies, with the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) competing for 50 seats, the Jumhooree Party for 28 seats, and the Maldives Development Alliance vying for 7 places in the recently expanded parliament.

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will field candidates in all 85 constituencies, while its recent ally the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party will contest for 6 seats.

The religious Adhaalath Party will stand in 12 constituencies after disagreements within the governing coalition – with whom it had allied itself during last year’s presidential vote. 114 candidates will stand independently for today’s vote.

After last minute concerns about a potential delay of polls, the Elections Commission (EC) has confirmed that voting will proceed at 8am before closing at 4pm today.

Repeated delays and the heavy involvement of the Supreme Court in last year’s presidential poll eventually contributed to the dismissal of the EC’s senior members earlier this month and the subsequent filing of a case on Thursday (March 20) which suggested today’s polls could not legally proceed.

“So far we have not heard anything from the Supreme Court, so we are going ahead,” EC Media Officer Aishath Shifana Ahmed told Minivan News this morning.

The significance of today’s polls has been underlined by the MDP’s Hamid Abdul Ghafoor, who has described the elections as “do or die”. Among the party’s prominent pledges are judicial reform, the empowerment of local councils, and potentially the impeachment of President Abdulla Yameen.

“What we would like to do is to get the democratic process back on track, which means whatever is necessary for that we will do. If that requires impeachment, impeachment it shall be, but if there are other avenues for getting the process back on track, that is our main target.”

The PPM has meanwhile repeatedly asserted that the public should grant the Progressive Coalition a majority in the Majlis in order to allow it to fulfil its legislative agenda, as well as reiterating previous pledges to defend Islam.

“The government has made many important electoral pledges. However those pledges can be fulfilled if only the people elect members of the Progressive Coalition government,” JP leader Gasim Ibrahim told Miadhu this week.

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11:30pm – As local media reports continue to show strong evidence of a resounding coalition victory, Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed has called upon all elected MPs to “formulate and implement all that’s necessary for the development of our people and nation”.

Meanwhile, the MDP’s International Spokesman Hamid Abdul Ghafoor described the result as “not the best”, expressing long term fears over the direction in which he sees the country heading.

“The legitimisation of the 7/2/12 coup d’etat has reversed extensive democratic gains Maldives made post-2008, ” said Hamid. “A cold winter has set on democracy in tropical Maldives.”

11:00pm – The EC expect to be able to announce their provisional results between 8am and midday tomorrow.

10:45pm – The EC have just concluded their press conference, noting that polling generally went smoothly.

The only major incident was reported in Rakeedhoo, Vaavu atoll after a group of people came to vote after polls had closed.  After the controversy, with the exception of official in charge of the box and the person’s assistant, officials refused to count the votes.

According to the law, noted the EC, the box has to be counted at the station and so the EC will have to send some people there. The police have been asked for their assistance.

One other issue was related to ballot papers in Alifushi in Raa atoll, and in Mahibadhoo in Alify Dhaalu atoll. Two people are still waiting to vote after the EC sent the wrong ballot papers to the station.

By 9:30pm, the EC reported receiving 115 complaints in writing, 18 of which were about the voters registry. Other complaints – were received by phone – included anti-campaign and complaints against elections officers – some of whom have had action taken against them.

Celebrations tonight will be considered as a campaign activity, noted the EC, and will have to wait until after 6am tomorrow.

10:25pm –

10.20pm – With most races too close to call, state broadcaster TVM has confirmed 19 seats where candidates have an unassailable lead. These include ten seats for the ruling PPM, four seats and one seat respectively for its coalition partners JP and MDA, one seat for the religious conservative Adhaalath Party, and four seats for the opposition MDP.

The results for the other 66 constituencies are subject to change with a smaller margin between candidates. In addition to the main ballot boxes for each constituency, several constituents are re-registered to vote in other locations such as industrial islands and resorts.

With 140,182 votes counted, newspaper Haveeru has 33 seats for the PPM, 12 for JP, 5 for MDA, 5 for independent candidates, one for the Adhaalath Party and 28 for the MDP.

10:15pm – Former TVM Presenter Aishath Leeza has conceded defeat to the MDP’s Ali Azim in Malé’s Medhu Henveiru constituency.

10:00pm – With no official results as yet from the EC, despite differing results from local media outlets, a picture is emerging of a clear coalition victory in the polls.

A combination of local and social media shows victories for prominent MDP MPs Mariya Didi, Chairperson ‘Reeko’ Moosa Manik, Speaker of the Majlis Abdulla Shahid, Rozaina Adam, and Imthiyaz Fahmy. These sources also reveal losses for recent MDP convert Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, and MP Ali Waheed.

The Progressive Coalition’s lead in the polls included an entry into the Majlis for former Police Commissioner Abdulla Riyaz with the JP, and a return to the Majlis for Ahmed ‘Redwave’ Saleem, Ahmed Mahlouf, and Ahmed Nihan – all for the PPM.

7:15pm – With vote counting completed in most polling stations, local media has reported the results of roughly half of the 473 ballot boxes. Provisional results suggest that the ruling Progressive Coalition is on course to secure a majority of the 85 parliamentary seats.

Some candidates have meanwhile conceded defeat and declared victory on social media. MDP MP Ali Waheed has conceded defeat to the JP candidate in the Alif Alif Thohdoo constituency while MDP candidate for Thimarafushi, Mohamed Musthafa, has declared victory.

Several incumbent MPs, including PPM MP Ahmed Mahloof and JP MP Gasim Ibrahim as well as MDP MPs Imthiyaz Fahmy and Eva Abdulla, have also established strong leads in their constituency.

With 78,842 votes counted, newspaper Haveeru has the PPM with 30 seats, MDP with 30 seats, JP with 12 seats, MDA with two seats, Adhaalath Party with two seats and independent candidates with two seats.

The EC has said it expects to announce preliminary results tomorrow.

6:00pm – Sun reports that observers have been found in order for the count to begin in Thinadhoo.

4:35pm – Sun Online has reported that officials in Thinadhoo, in Ghaafu Dhaalu atoll, are unable to open the box for counting due to the absence of observers. Without observers, Sun reports that the EC has said three people who voted at that box must be present to begin counting, though none are reported to be in the area.

At around 2pm this afternoon, Sun had reported that turnout was only 24 percent in the island.

4:25pm – After closing each box, officials will take a half-hour break before counting begins.

4:10pm – Ballot boxes are now closing, with  no more people allowed to enter queues. Reports continue to confirm a low turnout, however.

3:40pm – Police have reported that there are not enough ballot papers in Alifushi, Raa atoll, and Kurendhoo in Lhaviyani atoll. Police are working on transporting additional papers.

3:30pm – A 38-year-old man has been taken into police custody in Fuvahmulah after allegedly assaulting his wife. Local media reports eyewitnesses as stating that the man struck his wife after she emerged from the polling place. He reportedly asked her who she voted for and became upset when she named the candidate.

3:15pm – The EC has received 75 complaints in total, including three complaints about names not being on voter lists, five about anti-campaigning and four relates to bribery.

Turnout is reported to be low, particularly in comparison to the presidential polls – the polls for which had an average turnout of over 88 percent.

3:10pm – EC currently holding second press conference of the day.

The EC did not put up photos in the public list due to the complaints it received about the matter during the local council elections in January. Although there are photos in the lists being used by officials.

3:00pm – Police have arrested two people, one for distributing and another for accepting money near a ballot box at around 2:30pm. Police have confirmed that there have been several reports of distributing money.

2:30pm – “I was unaware that ballot boxes were shuffled. So i had to spend over an hour trying to vote. I wish the SC had better raised awareness about these changes”: Adam Haleem, 34yrs.

2:25pm – “I was undecided about voting too. But am going to go cast a vote now. Despite SC interference, I cannot live with myself if I don’t exercise this right,” said Ahmed Irfan, 28yrs.

2:20pm – “I won’t vote. I can’t make myself participate in another Supreme Court run election. What’s the point? We all know which way the results will lean to regardless of real results,” said Aminath Yulia, 28yrs.

2:10pm – 4,343 election officials are involved in conducting the polls in addition to 1,647 observers, 1,858 monitors, and 1,363 representatives of candidates.

EC data reveals there are 240,663 voters eligible to take part in today’s polls – 117,028 female and 123,635 male.

1:45pm – Press release from Transparency Maldives: “Transparency Maldives thanks our observers deployed across the country for their dedication in observing the election processes. Transparency Maldives’ observer network has a wide national coverage spanning resorts, prisons, and abroad in Kuala Lumpur and Colombo.

The results we report are based on random sampling and are generalisable to the entire country. These results are based on the observation at the time of opening of polls.

The opening of the polls was smooth, and the administrative preparation went well. 79% of all polling stations opened by 8.10am, 20% of polling stations opened within the first hour of the required opening time, and 1% of polling stations opened between 9am and 10am.

Nearly all polling station officials were in place at all polling stations.

The materials required for voting were present and the ballot papers were counted at 100% of the polling stations. 100% of ballot boxes were verified as empty at the opening of the polls.

Candidates were well represented at polling stations. Only 10% of the polling stations did not have a party/candidate observer present at the opening of the polls. Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) observers were present at 78% of polling stations while 81% of polling stations had observers from the coalition parties, at the opening of the polls.

Transparency Maldives also notes that police presence was visible at 93% of the observed polling stations at the time of opening.

Observers concluded that the polling stations were set up to ensure a secret vote in 98% of polling stations. Transparency Maldives observers will be closely monitoring the 2% of the polling station where the secrecy of the ballot may be compromised due to the layout of the polling station.

We encourage all parties to maintain the climate of peace. Our observers are working hard at polling stations and will be present at the polling stations until the polls are closed and the results are announced.”

1:34pm – “I have faith in the system. This vote will change our lives for the better,” said Aishath Thaufeeqa, 22.

1:14pm – A voter who displayed a marked ballot paper in Thaa Vilifushi and another who took a photograph of a marked ballot paper in Gaaf Dhaal Thinadhoo have been taken in for questioning by police.

An individual has meanwhile been arrested in Male’ near the polling station in Iskandhar School for allegedly obstructing police duty.

12:52pm – “It is important that the government gets majority in parliament. No other way we can have the development we deserve. That’s why I am voting,” said Mohamed Ikleel, 49.

“It’s my responsibility as a citizen to vote. Whether it makes a difference or not” said Ali Gasim, 38.

“We can’t let Adhaalath into policy making. So it’s important that MDP and PPM [supporters] both go out and vote” said Afiya Saeed, 36.

“I am hopeful that this is finally a fair election. Fuwad is no longer there to do fraud. Thank Allah,” said smail Wafir, 53.

12:30pm – A 33-year-old and a 35-year-old has been taken in for questioning by police in Seenu Feydhoo after displaying marked ballot papers.

12:25pm – Speaking to reporters after voting in CHSE this morning, President Abdulla Yameen said he hoped candidates from the Progressive Coalition as well as the Adhaalath Party would secure 65 seats. He added however that the coalition could lose some seats as a result of members of coalition parties contesting as independents, which could split the vote among pro-government candidates.

If the government coalition secures a majority, President Yameen said the highest priority on the legislative agenda would be passing bills related to economic policy as well as the revised penal code.

He expressed confidence that the coalition would not fall apart after the elections.

Yameen also reportedly criticised the current People’s Majlis for not approving two members to the five-member EC to replace its former chair and deputy chair, who were removed by the Supreme Court on charges of disobeying court orders as well as contempt of court.

According to online news outlet CNM, Yameen said there was no need to appoint two members to the EC if it could conduct polls with just three members and an acting chair. He however added that the coalition parties would not be contesting the outcome on the grounds of the missing EC members.

12:00pm – “I’ll vote free and fair. I doubt the counting will proceed in the same manner though” said Fathimath Areesha, 36, Seenu Maradhoo.

“PPM will win today. Not with support, but with undue power” said Abdul Matheen, 46, after voting in Iskandhar School.

11:40am – Former President Nasheed after voting at Malé City Hall.

11:35am – Police have taken two more persons into custody for displaying marked ballot papers. They were a 29-year-old from Gahdhoo and an individual from Gaaf Dhaal Madaveli. Police explained that persons who display marked ballot papers are released after questioning.

11:30am – The EC urged all voters to go out and cast their ballots as early as possible, and for all election observers and monitors to assure voting proceeds as per the law.

11:25am – Those stations which started late – Shaviyani maan’ugoodhoo and Gaafaru – will be given the full eight hours for voting, says the EC.

11:15am – 12 complaints have been received regarding today’s voting, concerning anti-campaigning, the use of illegal means to get support, regarding elections officials, and campaigning during prohibited hours.

While turnout is as yet unclear, unofficial observers suggest it is low.

The EC hopes to release provisional results by tomorrow morning.

11:10am – Voting began on time in all but two islands. The EC has received 13 complaints regarding the voter registry – the most serious being five voters who claimed to have been re-registered without their knowledge.

11:05am – EC  – now consisting of members Ismail Habeeb, Ali Mohamed Manik, and Mohamed Farooq – begins press conference.

10:55am – Voter turnout in Addu reportedly being affected by poor weather.

9:55am – Police have arrested three individuals for displaying marked ballot papers at polling stations. They were a 28-year-old man from the Feydhoo ward of Addu City, an 18-year-old in Faafu Nilandhoo, and an 18-year-old in Gaaf Dhaal Gahdhoo.

Voting was also briefly interrupted in a polling station in Malé for the Maafanu North constituency while police took down campaign banners in the customs area.

9:25am – EC announces first press conference for 11am. All ballot boxes are reported to be open for voting, with the exception of Gaafaru in Kaafu atoll which is due to open imminently.

9:15am – The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) issued a press statement yesterday urging all parties and voters to abide by rules and regulations on polling day and to respect the rights of others.

9:10am – In Shaviyani Maaugoodhoo, officials from the Elections Commission’s complaints bureau requested police assistance in taking down a banner in the vicinity of the polling station. Voting had not started in the island at the time.

Local media has reported that voting has temporarily stopped for one ballot box in Haa Dhaal Kulhudhufushi after officials discovered that one token number was not printed.

In Shaviyani Maaugoodhoo, officials from the Elections Commission’s complaints bureau requested police assistance in taking down a banner in the vicinity of the polling station. Voting had not started in the island at the time.

Local media has reported that voting has temporarily stopped for one ballot box in Haa Dhaal Kulhudhufushi after officials discovered that one token number was not printed.

9:00am – Transparency Maldives – running the largest observation mission during today’s polls – has noted that officials are not allowed to use phones in polling stations, and that a communication official will assist in communications between officials and the EC.

Point 10 of the Supreme Court guidelines introduced after the annulment of the September 7 presidential election first round, states that:

“The Elections Commission and relevant authorities should make it illegal for any person (including officials) who enters the polling station to carry phones, handbags, files or any item (excluding pens) that could be considered to infringe upon the rights of candidates and ensure that no such action takes place.”

8:15am – Police will today provide elections security throughout the country through ‘Operation Iruvaru’. Police announced last night that investigations were being carried out in different parts of the country into allegations of bribery and drug trading with relation to votes.

8am – Polls open

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Innamaadhoo island council asks Islamic Ministry to take action against Sheikh Shameem

Innamaadhoo island council, in Raa Atoll, has filed a complaint with the Islamic Ministry against Sheikh Ibrahim Shameem Adam after he allegedly preached inside the island’s Friday Mosque without first obtaining permission.

Speaking to Minivan News today Council President Ibrahim Fayaz said that Sheikh Shameem went to the island last Saturday and requested the council’s permission.

Before receiving a response from authorities, however, Shameem held a sermon on the island, said Fayaz.

“They announced that there will be a sermon that night on the topic of sports and entertainment and held the sermon without our permission and we did not do anything about it because then they say Innamaadhoo council had obstructed religious activities and that we are anti-Islamic,’’ he said.

He said that the first 50 minutes of the speech was very good before beginning to resemble a political campaign meeting.

“He started talking about politics and the upcoming parliament elections and people inside the mosque came out, only a few were waiting inside,’’ Fayaz said.

“More than 200 people gathered outside the mosque in protest to the speech he was giving because it was supposed to be a religious sermon and not a political rally.’’

Fayaz said that islanders came and complained to the council, warning that if the council was not able to stop him the islanders might have to do it.

“So I then went inside and turned the loudspeaker and microphone off, but he did not stop,’’ he said.

“I asked him who gave him the permission to conduct a sermon inside the mosque and he replied by saying that the ‘Higher Authorities’ gave him permission. I do not know who higher authorities were.’’

Political sermons

Fayaz said that Shameem indirectly criticised both Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Progressive Party of Maldives’ parliamentary candidates.

“He criticised them in a way that everyone knew who he was talking about, but did not mention the names,’’ he said. “We even called the police that night because there might have been unrest on the island – and five councilors will not be able to stop the islanders.’’

He said that police asked the council to take a statement from Sheikh Shameem, but that Shameem refused to come to answer questions.

Furthermore, Fayaz alleged that the Islamic Ministry would not take any action against him because he was sent by the Adhaalath Party.

Islamic Minister Sheikh Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed today told Minivan News that he had not received any information of the incident.

In December last year Omadhoo island council stopped Sheikh Shameem from delivering a religious lecture at the local mosque, fearing it might “disrupt the stability and social harmony of the island”.

At the time, Haveeru reported that when the council asked for a formal request for permission, the organisers sent a text message to the council president saying the lecture would go on with or without the council’s permission.

In May 2013 Sheikh Imran Abdulla and Sheikh Ilyas Hussein were obstructed from preaching in Vaikaradhoo, in Haa Dhaalu atoll, whilst Kamadhoo island council in Baa atoll prevented Sheikh Nasrulla Ali from preaching.

In Vaikaradhoo the sheikhs continued with police protection in the presence of local opposition activists.

In September 2013, Maldives Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Chairman Ibrahim Umar Manik told a parliamentary sub-committee that the commission had stopped religious sermon ‘Andhalus’ conducted by Sheikh Shameem for violating the state broadcaster’s guidelines.

The MBC chairman,along with members of the commission, were summoned before the independent institutions committee following complaints by MDP MPs that the sermon by Sheikh Shameem infringed the rights of the party’s presidential candidate.

“We definitely do not consider [televising the sermon] as anti-campaigning against a particular candidate using religion. [But] around 11:35pm, because his talk was changing a little, we stopped the live [broadcasting],” Manik told the parliament committee at the time.

Current laws and regulations require religious preachers to obtain permission from local councils in order to preach at mosques in their administrative areas.

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Coalition leaders urge independent candidates to withdraw

Leaders of the ruling Progressive Coalition have urged members of coalition parties running as independents in the upcoming parliamentary elections to withdraw their candidacies.

Speaking at a campaign event in Malé on Thursday night, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom expressed “regret” with coalition supporters contesting as independents.

The vote being split among pro-government candidates could see “candidates we don’t want” finishing top, the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) leader warned.

Gayoom called on independent candidates to drop out of the race and endorse the coalition’s official candidates.

He went on to thank independent candidates who have recently endorsed PPM contestants ahead of the polls scheduled for March 22.

Former PPM youth wing leader, Ibrahim Nazim – who was contesting as an independent in the mid-Henveiru constituency – endorsed PPM candidate Aishath Leeza last week.

The three parties in the Progressive Coalition – PPM, Jumhooree Party (JP) and Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) – reached an agreement to allocate constituencies among the coalition partners with the PPM contesting 50 seats, JP contesting 28 seats, and the MDA contesting seven seats.

First-past-the-post

Speaking at Thursday’s night campaign event for PPM Hithadhoo North candidate Al Ibrahim, Home Minister Umar Naseer – who was dismissed from the now-ruling party in April 2013 – said that members of coalition parties were contesting as independents in 64 constituencies.

Such candidates were claiming to represent their parties despite the coalition fielding a candidate from a different party, Naseer said.

He warned that candidates from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) could benefit in cases where the vote was divided among pro-government candidates.

In the first-past-the-post Majlis elections, candidates would not need to secure 50 percent of the vote to be elected.

Meanwhile, in a campaign rally in Alif Dhaalu Dhagethi last night, JP Leader Gasim Ibrahim reportedly accused independent candidate Ahmed Thoriq ‘Tom’ – a national team football player –  in the Alif Dhaal Mahibadhoo constituency of falsely claiming to represent the PPM.

The Mahibadhoo constituency was reserved for the PPM in the coalition seat allocation deal.

Gasim said he visited the island this weekend with two PPM council members – MPs Ahmed Nihan and Ahmed Mahloof – to explain to PPM supporters that Tom was not campaigning on behalf of the party.

The business magnate and former presidential candidate said he was confident that the PPM would not field candidates in constituencies ceded to the JP.

In the wake of January’s local council election, President Abdulla Yameen told the press that party members who contested as independents cost the ruling coalition a number of seats.

President Yameen claimed that 85 percent of independent candidates for local councils were PPM members.

PPM members decided to contest as independent candidates in constituencies reserved for the JP, Yameen explained, despite instructions from the party.

“Similarly, a JP member contested as an independent for the Addu atoll mid-constituency where our candidate got the ticket and contested,” he added.

Two sides of the scale

Returning to a central theme of last year’s presidential campaign in his speech Thursday night, former President Gayoom said voters were offered a choice between stability and defending Islam on the one hand and drugs and anti-Islamic behaviour on the other.

Referring to the MDP’s slogan of “vote for the scale of justice,” Gayoom said voters must choose which side of the scale to support.

On the PPM’s side was protecting Islam, the rights of citizens and the nation’s independence and sovereignty as well as progress, development, peace and consolidating democracy, he contended.

The main opposition party has meanwhile been campaigning on a platform of judicial reform, empowering local councils, and government accountability.

In his speech last night, Gasim expressed confidence that the JP would secure 25 seats from the 28 constituencies the party was contesting.

While JP MPs would back the PPM-led coalition government for the next five years, Gasim said the party could not accept unlawful actions from the government.

“If things are done against the law or by deceiving the public, we are going to have to the push the necessary button. That is the responsibility of Majlis members as stated in the constitution,” Gasim reportedly said.

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