Friday
22nd Nov 2024
Dhivehi Edition
A man currently in remand over alleged sexual assault charges against a child has been elected President of the Gahdhoo Council.
Mohamed "MD" Ahmed contested on an opposition coalition ticket in GA. Gadhhoo and was beat the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) candidate, Mohamed Rishan, with a lead of 85 votes.
Mohamed Ahmed won a sum of 737 votes and Rishan won 652 votes. Mohamed Ahmed had previously served as President of the Gahdhoo council.
There are two charges against Mohamed Ahmed; the first of which is a case in 2015 of Mohamed sexually abused a minor during his term as President of Gahdhoo Island Council. The second of which is a case from last year in which he exposed a minor to pornographic material.
The first charge being held against Mohamed is currently in Gahdhoo Magistrate Court. The trial for this charge has not commenced since November last year.
The Progressive Party of Maldives has stated that an investigation into this matter will be carried out, and action will be taken against the candidate as necessary. PPM has also called for the trial of Mohamed Ahmed to be commence as soon as possible.