Official Statement; Government welcomes Elections Commission’s Commencement of work for Presidential Elections

February 22, 2018

The Government of Maldives warmly welcomes the announcement of the Elections Commission to begin preparations for the Presidential Elections to be held this year. The Government takes note of its announcement to hold the first round of Presidential elections in early September and encourages all relevant stakeholders to offer the Commission their full, unreserved support for the conduct of their work.

Free, fair and credible elections are the foundation of our democracy and are essential for continuity of our nation’s growth, stability and prosperity. The Maldives Government extends its invitation to all international stakeholders to observe our electoral process, and we urge the international community to provide support and assistance in bringing back normalcy in the Maldives, and refrain from any actions that could hinder resolving the situation facing the country.

The Government commits to providing a free and stable environment for campaigns in the lead up to this year’s Presidential Elections and reaffirms our hope that all relevant stakeholders support this endeavour.

Noting that all elections after the ratification of the Constitution was accepted to be fair and free by all parties, the Government refers all political parties and politicians alike to work with commitment towards making the elections which are months away, free and fair, rather to engage in a battle to topple the Government and to destabilize the nation.