Missing ballot papers are blank ones – EC

The 115 ballot papers missing from ballot box one of Thaa atoll Thimarafushi constituency are blank ones, Elections Commission (EC) have revealed at a news conference held on Sunday night. Commission member Fuwad said that none of the votes cast in the ballot box were missing as assured by the report submitted by police officers present at the polling station on Election Day. “Police reports states that ballot box were never out of their sight; because of the large gathering that day, the box was kept under their protection till next day when counting started; as per police report all votes cast were safe;we do accept that some ballot papers are missing and that it is a serious matter, however, the missing ballot papers are blank ones not used for casting votes, as these are the remaining ballot papers it is a very case, we will respect the court’s verdict , if the court orders to cancel we would do what we have to do” Fuwad said. According to Fuwad, the commission’s investigations have not revealed the identity of the person who stole the ballot papers or what has happened to the blank ballot papers. “Again, the statistics I have received shows the number of voters and number of votes cast, these things match” Fuwad said. Previously Commission Member Mahir has said a video of the incident, clearly shows people rushing in and taking ballot papers when ballot box was opened and papers dumped on the table for counting. However, the same video aired on TVM on Sunday night shows no such thing but the video shows large crowds gathered there at the polling station near the box. Fuwad too expressed that he did not see any people rushing in and removing the ballot papers. Fuwad further assured that he and other members of the commission saw the same video. Despite difference among EC members, the first hearing of the now famous Thimarafushi case was held at High Court yesterday. DRP Candidate Qassan Maumoon, son of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, filed case with the High Court, alleging the vote was marred by intimidation, bribery and undue influence. He seeks a court ruling to cancel the provisional results announced for Thimarafushi constituency and to take vote. EC Commission Vice President Hussain Shiraj arguing the case out at High Court said no irregularity that could change the results occurred. He said he believed that parliamentary elections were free and fair as stipulated under Article 170(A) of the constitution.