President of Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) Ahmed Shareef has alleged Supreme Court of Maldives interfered with the mandate of the commission.
Speaking at the Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions, Ahmed Shareef highlighted a guideline was issued by the Supreme Court in 2013 to be followed in the presidential election, although the guidelines must be set by ECM.
Shareef added Supreme Court also does not have the authority to define deadlines to finalise ballot papers and other details of the voting process. However, he noted in order to follow the orders issued by the Supreme Court, ECM had to work round the clock.
Furthermore, Shareef shared some challenges faced to the commission. In this context, he highlighted the lack of a separate office establishment for the commission and the lack of sufficient funds in the budget obstructs promoting staff and issuing risk allowances.