THE GOVERNMENT WELCOMES MDP’S DECISION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2018 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS AND RENEWS THE INVITATION FOR ALL-PARTY TALKS

July 01, 2018

The Government of Maldives welcomes the decision by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) at their Extraordinary Congress, to field their candidate for the Presidential Elections. We also congratulate MP for Hinnavaru Constituency Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih for being selected to represent MDP at the Presidential Elections. The Government believes that nominating an eligible candidate is a move forward in the path of democracy and towards holding free, fair, transparent and successful elections.

Hoping that this positive development from MDP creates an opportunity for dialogue in order to reconcile the political differences and noting the importance of mutual collaboration for free, fair, transparent and successful elections, I wish to renew the invitation of the Government for All-Party Talks once again, specifically with a view to facilitating the solution of any issues of concern and to pave a way forward for the elections.

Further, I call upon MDP to lift its boycott of the National Advisory Committee formed under Section 3 of the Presidential Elections Regulation for the Presidential Elections, and to coordinate with the Elections Commission to ensure a smooth electoral process.

It is the hope of the Government that all Parties will be able to sit together and reconcile the differences in the National interest, for a smooth free, fair and transparent Presidential election.

Mohamed Shainee (PhD)

Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture

Chairperson, All Party Talks