03 Apr 2019 | 11:07 PM UTC
Maldives: Legislative elections on April 6
The Maldives to hold legislative elections on April 6; associated transportation and commercial disruptions possible
Event
The Maldives will hold legislative elections on Saturday, April 6. Associated business disruptions on Saturday cannot be ruled out. Political rallies and protests are possible following the result of the election.
Context
The People's Majlis - the unicameral legislative chamber of the Maldives - is currently composed of 85 seats but will be expanded to 87 seats in the April 6 election. The legislative elections were initially scheduled to take place in March but were postponed by one month by the Elections Commission (EC) in December 2018.
On April 1, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Maldivian Democratic Party) accused the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) of attempting to delay the upcoming election via a court order, although it is unclear if a motion was filed with the judiciary. The PPM, led by former President Abdulla Yameen who was arrested in February on money laundering charges, successfully delayed the 2017 local elections on a court ruling.
Advice
Individuals in the Maldives are advised to monitor the situation, avoid public political demonstrations due to the risk of violence, anticipate a heightened security presence and localized disruptions on April 6, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.
