Former Prez denies High Court judges visiting Alivaage

Monday, June 22nd, 2009

Former President Mumoon Abdul Gayoom has denied the widespread allegations that Judges of the High Court visited his current residence, Alivaage. MDP candidate Mohamed Mustafa who is contesting the Thimarafushi seat of the parliament has alleged that during the trial of the case lodged by DRP candidate Gassan Mumoon over the election results for Thaa Thimarafushi constituency.

Gassan, filed a case in High Court on 17 May disputing the results on the grounds that voting was not free and fair due to widespread intimidation and irregularities in the result sheets. High Court on 11 June annulled the provisional results of Thaa Thimarafushi and ordered a fresh vote taken within 30 days.

Speaking to media after returning from Malaysia yesterday night, former President said High Court’s ruling on Thimarafushi election results was victory for justice. He denied the allegations and said he has never at any time influenced court proceedings. He said during his 30 years as the country’s President he has never exerted any influence over court proceeding.

“So why should I do that now, I am not even the President, why should I influence High Court Judges? It is not true, it did not happen and never will” said the former President who returned home after spending a few days with his wife Nasreena Ibrahim who was receiving medical treatment in Malaysia.

MDP candidate Mustafa speaking on Dhi FM on 2 June expressed doubts over High Court Judges ability to impartially conduct the trial alleging that judges was influenced by senior officials of the former administration. He also alleged that Judges even went to the former President’s residence Alivaage.

Mustafa since then has appealed to Supreme Court stating the High Court ruling was not based on conclusive evidence and that Judges were biased. He also has sent a letter to the Election Commission, warning the commission of potential violence in Thimarafushi. In the letter, copied to President’s office, Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM), Judicial services Commission, Defense Ministry, Home Ministry, Maldives Police services, Middle South Province Office, Thaa Atoll Office, Thimarafushi Island Office, Thimarfushi courts and Police station, Mustafa has called on the EC to prevent the arrival of gangsters and drug abusers to the island on the pretext of seeking support for DRP candidate Mohamed Gassan Maumoon.

Despite criticisms and allegations from Mustafa, the former President expressed readiness to visit Thimarafushi to campaign and seek support for his son, Gassan, in the forthcoming election.

“I am ready” but that will be decision for “DRP candidate or DRP” he said.

Meanwhile, campaigning by both parties are underway in full swing and Elections Commission (EC) has said that the commission will be able to announce Thimarafushi constituency election date next week.

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