The Electoral Commission has put National Federation Party leader Biman Prasad on notice for comments he made to the Chair of the Commission, Suresh Chandra.

Mr Prasad’s comments have been considered as a threat by the Commission.

Acting Prime Minister and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum revealed this in Parliament yesterday during heated debate which put Opposition members in the hot seat this week.

Mr Prasad attempted to stop Mr Sayed-Khaiyum from speaking about the contents of the letter in the House but failed.

Mr Prasad said he did not agree with the letter and that NFP would be responding to the letter.

What was said:

“…I do hope that you will be able to call a meeting with the full Electoral Commission because otherwise there will be questions about the integrity of the Com- mission itself and some members of the Commission if we don’t go through this process that’s why I am saying the process is very important…”

In the letter sent to Mr Prasad by Mr Chandra, he points out that: “The Electoral Commission considers such a statement from the Leader of the National Federation Party as an attempt to threaten and/or intimidate the Electoral Commission and individual Commissioners from performing their Constitutional roles.

“The Electoral Commission wishes to advise Mr Prasad that we will not tolerate any attempts to compromise the duties and functions of the Electoral Commission through fear, threat and/or intimidation. As a stake- holder, Mr Prasad must exercise caution in his utterances.”

It goes on to state that the Commission puts Mr Prasad on notice and that they will not hesitate to institute necessary action, either legal or penal.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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