<div>In Maldives, the main opposition party today charged the country's election commission of blatant political interference in the internal activities of political parties. </div>''<div><br />''</div>''<div>Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) led by former President Mohammed Nasheed called upon the commission to facilitate the establishment of a conducive environment for free and fair elections in the country. </div>''<div><br />''</div>''<div>A party statement said Maldives police obstructed the Presidential primary election, and forcefully confiscating ballot boxes, while voting was underway yesterday.</div>''<div><br />''</div>''<div>It said continued threats by the commission to dissolve the country's largest opposition party demonstrate the compromised status of the members, many of whom are former officials of President Yameen's party. </div>''<div><br />''</div>''<div>The party claimed that more than 40 out of around 50 thousand eligible voters casted their votes despite the threats and greeted them for their courage.</div>''<div><br />''</div>''<div>Mr. Nasheed was the only candidate for election to the MDP Presidential candidate. Presidential elections in Maldives are scheduled for September this year and MDP constitution calls for holding of primary to elect party candidate. </div>''<div><br />''</div>''<div>Maldives government maintains that Mr. Nasheed is not eligible to contest the elections as he has been sentenced to 13 year prison term on charges of terrorism. </div>''<div><br />''</div>''<div>Other main opposition leaders are also either in prison or in exile on various charges.  </div>''<div><br />''</div>''<div>The country's Supreme Court in February 1st judgment had ruled to release the political leaders and begin an impartial investigations into cases which prompted the government to impose emergency and arrest two judges. </div>