Government of Maldives has assured that it will uphold the rule of law and pave way for free, fair and credible elections. The government assured its commitment to ensure fully that the rule of law is upheld and applied fairly and equally to all without any exceptions, in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to a statement issued by the European Union Heads of Missions in Colombo.
Noting that since the enactment of the 2008 Constitution, the Maldives has held several parliamentary and local council elections in addition to two presidential elections, all of which were declared free, fair and credible by the international community, even as recently as in 2017, the government affirmed that there is no justifiable reason to believe that the presidential elections scheduled for later this year can be any different. It is working together with the respective authorities, including its international partners, especially with the European Union, are working tirelessly towards ensuring free and fair elections, the statement further said.
Highlighting that the rule of law and the guaranteeing of human rights and fundamental freedoms are central for a modern democratic society, the statement expressed that it looks forward to pursuing constructive engagements with its partners, based on mutual respect and understanding.