News & press releases

Statement by the Government of Maldives following doubts raised by some international partners on the upcoming Presidential election

14 August 2018

The Government of Maldives notes with concern doubts and queries raised by certain international partners as the country prepares to hold the Presidential election next month.

The Presidential Election would be held on 23 September 2018. Campaigning for the election is progressing smoothly in a peaceful environment and the Government is working closely with the Election Commission and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the election is free, fair and credible.

Since the introduction of the multi-party democracy in 2008, all elections held, including those held during the term of the incumbent government, were declared by the international and local observers as free, fair and credible. The Election Commission of the Maldives has extended invitations to several international stakeholders including some key bilateral and multilateral development partners of the Maldives, to observe the Presidential Election next month. Hence, the Government believes that there is no room to doubt that the Presidential Election scheduled for September to be an exception.

As genuine friends and partners of the Maldives, it is important for the international community to extend their full support and cooperation to the unrelenting efforts of the Government and the people of the Maldives in this endeavour.

The Government of Maldives is confident that, as in the past, the election would be held in a cordial and peaceful environment.

ENDS.