PRESS RELEASE
Date: October 19, 2013
Transparency Maldives is concerned that the Presidential Election had to be once again called off, and that a new date has not been set.
While the Constitutional deadlines for conducting the election have already been breached, we urge setting a new date immediately to ensure there is a democratically elected President by November 11, 2013.
The Maldivian Constitution enshrines separation of powers as fundamental and provides different roles and responsibilities to different independent institutions. As such, the Elections Commission has the mandate to conduct elections and set administrative procedures for holding such elections within the ambit of the law. Transparency Maldives therefore calls on all actors to refrain from obstructing this mandate and to respect the independence of the Commission.
Transparency Maldives reiterates that its extensive and systematic observation of the September 7 elections found no evidence of systematic fraud and no such evidence has so far been made public.
As all the powers of the state are derived from and remain with the people, and elections allow free expression of people’s will, Transparency Maldives appeals to all actors to facilitate the conduct of the Presidential Elections without further breach of the constitutionally stipulated electoral deadlines.
Transparency Maldives also believes that for long-term national interest and democratic consolidation, the Presidential Election must ensure the participation of all political actors and parties.
ENDS
For all media queries, please contact Advocacy and Communications Manager, Aiman Rasheed on 00 960 7908967.
Please see this link for the statement in English and Dhivehi.
Note: This post has been updated. English press statement text inserted and headline changed.