Political party People’s National Congress (PNC) has once again called on the Election Commission for a delay in Parliamentary elections.

Interim leader of People’s National Congress (PNC) and MP for Fonadhoo constituency, Abdul Raheem Abdulla made the appeal during a joint press conference by Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and PNC - or the “Progressive National Coalition”. He noted that campaign efforts for candidates of both parties have been made difficult ever since the detention of PPM leader Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

As such, MP Abdul Raheem noted that instead of meeting for campaign efforts, the attempts of candidates have been directed toward the release of President Yameen.

The Parliamentary Group leader of PPM and MP for Vilimale’ constituency Ahmed Nihan spoke regarding the matter at the press conference. He made the claim that the government is taking all measures to ensure that the Progressive National Coalition has an unsuccessful election.

MP Nihan said that the detention if former President Yameen was carried out by President Solih with the fear that the parties of the Progressive National Coalition may win Parliamentary elections.

While the PNC has appealed for a delay in Parliamentary elections, the Progressive National Coalition had take up similar efforts previously. The elections Commission had however responded to these pleas and said that under no circumstance will the Parliamentary elections be delayed.

The Parliamentary elections are set to take place on 6 April 2019.