HC rejects EC request for info on council election delay

The High Court has rejected a request by the Elections Commission (EC) seeking clarification on the court's decision to postpone the Local Council Elections.

The request was filed on December 9, 2016. Before filing the request, EC appealed at the High Court against the Civil Court's order to delay the elections. The commission later withdrew the appeal.

The Civil Court ruling came following a petition filed by the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), citing that the party's leadership dispute had hindered its efforts to prepare for the elections set for January 14. Sitting councillors can remain in office until the elections of new councillors, the ruling said.