Iran Press/ Asia: The Indian Ocean archipelago will go to polls on September 23. Incumbent President Abdulla Yameen is seeking a second term, with a contest from Opposition presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
According to The Hindu, Dissidents and Opposition parties are challenging Mr. Yameen through a joint platform led by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) of former President Mohamed Nasheed.
The coalition has raised concern over possible election rigging following what they term “fraudulent” voter registration.
As candidates step up their campaign, a section of citizens is concerned over authorities apparently targeting dissident activists, especially after the Maldives police’s recent warning, about likely “dangerous acts” on polling day. The Opposition has deemed it “fearmongering”. So far, at least 18 Opposition activists have been arrested in the run-up to the polls, local media reported.
Meanwhile, the MDP on Wednesday asked the Yameen administration to ease visa measures for international media interested in covering the election. Strongly denying the MDP’s claim that the visa process sought to limit the number of foreign journalists covering the presidential poll, the Elections Commission “noted with concern the false allegations”. “The Commission reaffirms its commitment to afford the opportunity to any international media personnel to take part in observing the elections as long as the necessary requirements have been met,” a statement said.
Countries, including the U.S. and India, have urged Maldivian authorities to hold a free and fair election, with the U.S. even warning Male of possible sanctions. Maldives hit out at the U.S., calling its statement “an act of intimidation, imposing undue influence on the democratic processes of a sovereign state”.
