HAVEERU
DAILY NEWS ARTICLE 20 MARCH 2005
http://www.haveeru.com.mv/
Quick Translation
HEARING OF GENERAL ELECTIONS COMPLAINT
20 March 2005
Adam Haleem
The hearing of a complaint against Abdulla Yameen, a candidate who competed for
one of the Noonu Atoll seats at the Parliamentary Elections of January 2005 was
conducted at the High Court of the Maldives today.
Ibrahim Hussain, Lokashi, Landoo Island of Noonu Atoll lodged the complaint at
the Court against Yameen who won one of the Noonu Atoll seats in the elections.
He accused Yameen of giving a speech against elections regulations at Hidaayaa
School, Miladoo Island, Noonu Atoll as part of his election campaign. In Court,
Ibrahim Hussain also accused Yameen of giving speeches against elections
regulations at Noonu Atoll Velidoo Island Pre-School and in Noonu Atoll Maafaru
and Landoo Islands.
Ibrahim Hussain raised these complaints at the High Court with a lawyer.
However, Ali Ahmed, the presiding judge of the High Court trial for hearing
elections complaints informed the Court that today’s trial was aimed solely at
ascertaining information that need to be found out from the plaintiff. He also
told the court if he perceives the need for the lawyer to speak, he would offer
the opportunity.
According to law, complaints pertaining to elections must be lodged at a court
appointed by the President within 30 days of the elections.
In the Maldives, the High Court of the Maldives has been appointed by the
President to deal with complaints pertaining to elections. Complaints have been
raised even against the Elections Commissioner with regards to these same
elections. In addition, Aishath Hussain Manik, Reendoo Kokaa of Henveiru
District of Male’, a candidate who contested for one of the Alif Daal Atoll
seats has also raised the complaint that her candidacy rights had been violated.
Complaints has also been raised that irregularities occurred during elections in
Gaaf Daal Atoll.
ENDS