Appeals from Velidhoo and Thimarafushi rejected after court finds no explanation of illegality in EC decisions

The High Court has dismissed two cases seeking a recount of votes in the recent local council elections.

Various parties have filed cases in the High Court in connection with the local council and women’s committee elections held on the 4th of this month.

The court dismissed a case filed by the MDP for the N. Velidhoo constituency and a case filed by the PNC candidate for the Th. Thimarafushi Council.

Among the two cases dismissed by the High Court on Wednesday is the petition filed by the MDP seeking a recount of the votes received by two MDP candidates in the Velidhoo constituency. A complaint was also lodged by a candidate who contested for the Thimarafushi Council seat, alleging that the commission had altered the result sheet of a ballot box kept in Male' City after the provisional results were announced.

The Registrar of the High Court ruled that the two cases were dismissed because the appeals did not explain how the Election Commission’s decision was illegal.

Some election‑related cases are still pending in the High Court.

Under Article 172(a) of the Constitution of Maldives, anyone who has a complaint regarding an election or its results has the right to submit a case to the court. Under Article 64 of the General Elections Act, the High Court has first‑instance jurisdiction to hear electoral cases, and its decisions can be appealed to the Supreme Court.

Under Article 66 of the General Elections Act, an election case must be filed within 14 days from the date the official results are announced.