Working overtime to clear criminal records of candidates: DJA

Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) says it is working overtime to clear criminal records of candidates contesting the upcoming local council and women’s development committee elections. 

MDP Campaign Manager Abdulla Waheed raised concerns at a press conference today, alleging that the Maldives Correctional Service and the DJA are moving too slowly in clearing criminal records and are unprepared for the elections.

Responding to the criticism, Chief Judicial Administrator Amjad Musthafa said clearing criminal records are currently being processed manually, requiring verification from courts across the country.

He said criminal records of around 400 candidates are still pending, but DJA staff are working Fridays, Saturdays and late nights during the nomination period to complete the process.

Amjad added that the DJA is working to automate the criminal record clearance system. Under the new system, courts across the islands will directly update records to an online portal, allowing criminal records to be viewed immediately.

Previously, candidates were required to submit physical forms to DJA, which were then sent by post. While applications can now be submitted online through e-Faas, the clearance process still takes three to five days, he said.

Waheed said the delay is problematic with only 16 days remaining in the nomination period. He also argued that limiting nominations to an online process infringes on the right to vote.

As a result, the MDP has requested an additional 10 days for nomination submissions.

The Elections Commission has yet to comment on the matter.