Electoral body says exiled opposition leaders can only vote in jail

The Maldives electoral body said Tuesday that exiled opposition leaders can only vote in jail.

According to the Elections Commission, the Jumhooree Party’s Gasim Ibrahim applied to re-register to vote in London but the application was denied. Former president Mohamed Nasheed did not apply for re-registration and is currently living in Sri Lanka.

EC member Ahmed Akram told local media that re-registration applications for convicts are only accepted when made through the Maldives Correctional Service.

The Maldives United Opposition has been contacted for comment.

Nasheed, on a 13-year jail sentence, and Gasim, on a three-year jail sentence, both fled the Maldives after exiting the country on medical leave and are living in exile.

Jailed former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Adhaalath Party leader Sheikh Imran Abdulla, who is currently under house arrest, are both expected to vote in jail.

Their prison sentences have been condemned by the international community.

The Maldives presidential elections is due to be held on September 23.