Presidential election regulations unveiled as rival parties slam state commitment to free and fair polls
22 May 2013, 5:21 PM
Neil Merrett
The Elections Commission (EC) has unveiled new regulations for the presidential election set for September 7 this year, claiming “comprehensive changes” have been made to the legal framework used five years ago.
EC Vice President Ahmed Fayaz told Minivan News that the latest regulations were drawn up with consultation from political parties and NGOs – providing more than just a “cosmetic change” to the framework used for the country’s first ever multi-party democratic elections in 2008.
Both opposition and government-aligned parties competing directly against President Dr Mohamed Waheed in September have alleged that even with new regulations in place, there were concerns that the incumbent was using state resources unconstitutionally to unfairly influence voters.
The allegations have been denied by the President’s Office, which maintains that it has done nothing to try and unfairly influence voters.
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