OIC could be observer in presidential polls

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation could be an observer in this year’s elections following a meeting between its head and President Abdulla Yameen.

The secretary general of the OIC Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen called on Yameen Tuesday, when the matter was discussed.

First round voting in the presidential polls is due to be held early September. But all opposition leaders are either in exile or in prison.

There is also concern that free and fair elections will not be possible because of a government political crackdown, which intensified in February after a ruling that ordered the release of Yameen’s jailed opponents.

Al-Othaimeen discussed the OIC observing this year’s presidential elections and offered ways to contribute to solve the issues faced by the government, said the president’s website.

Yameen expressed interest in strengthening the Maldives bilateral relationships with Muslim countries through the OIC, calling it the “strongest organisation for Islamic countries.”

The courtesy call is part of Al-Othaimeen’s two-day trip to the Maldives. The Saudi former minister has served as the OIC secretary general since November 2016.

The Maldives has been a OIC member country since 1976.