In a statement published by the Government of Maldives, taking note of the statement issued by Ambassador of the European Union (EU) together with Ambassadors of France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, the United Kingdom (UK), Canada and the United States of America (US) on 31 May 2018, it has stated it fully concurs that a legitimate and genuine opposition is a vital part of any healthy democracy adding it is equally vital that all political parties conduct their business responsibly in accordance with the constitution and all relevant rules and regulations governing the Political Party Act.
The Maldivian government affirmed that attempts to undermine the constitution and the laws of the land and to deceive the people and hype pre-election political rhetoric cannot be considered as responsible political activities and that will not have any place in the current political landscape of the country.
Upholding that actions taken by the government to stop such illegal and irresponsible activities and to maintain law and order and peace in the country should not be considered as actions aimed at curtailing or limiting fundamental freedoms guaranteed under the constitution, including freedom of assembly and speech, the government assured in the statement that it will spare no effort to protect and promote fundamental freedoms and ensure that the rule of law is implemented to the letter and spirit of the constitution without any exceptions.
Furthermore, the government stated that it is important for the international community, especially the proponents of the statement, to equally urge and encourage the opposition parties to refrain from such illegal activities and to genuinely demonstrate their full support and commitment to ensure the conduct of a smooth, transparent, credible and an inclusive elections process, as friends of the Maldives.
The statement mentioned that a decade has passed since the adoption of the current constitution which introduced multi-party politics to the Maldives. The government guaranteed that all elections held during the past decade were conducted peacefully, including two presidential elections, two parliamentary elections, two local council elections and several bi-elections, which the international and local observers have declared as free, fair and credible. Reflecting on the past elections, the Maldivian government expressed confidence that there is no room for the presidential elections scheduled for September this year to be an exception.
Moreover, the government reiterated its firm and unwavering commitment to work with the Elections Commission of Maldives and all other concerned authorities of the State to ensure free and fair elections in which all eligible candidates are granted an equal opportunity to contest. Further, the Government of Maldives also expressed its gratitude to the European Union and other stakeholders for the support extended towards electoral and governance reform.