The government of Maldives has assured its full commitment to protect and promote fundamental freedoms and ensure the rule of law is implemented without any exceptions.
In a statement issued taking note of the statement issued by the government of Australia on June 26, the government of Maldives reiterated its unwavering commitment to work with the Elections Commission of the Maldives and all other relevant authorities of the state to ensure a free, fair and inclusive election in which all eligible candidates are granted an equal opportunity to contest as conveyed by the senior government officials to the Australian Ambassador during his visit to the Maldives from June 20 to 21.
Moreover, the government noted it is vital that all political actors conduct their activities responsibly in accordance with the constitution and all relevant rules and regulations of the country. In this regard, the government, in the statement, noted its deep concern on the actions by some political actors which are in clear violation of the constitution and the laws of the country.
The government reiterated to ensure that the rule of law is implemented to the letter and spirit of the Constitution without any exceptions.
Furthermore, the statement highlighted all elections held, including the parliamentary elections in 2014 and local government elections in 2014 and 2017 as well as several by-elections, held during the term of the incumbent government, were declared by the international and local observers as free, fair and credible since the introduction of the multi-party system in 2008.
The government expressed confidence there is no room for the presidential elections scheduled for September to be an exception. The government further expressed its gratitude to the government of Australia for the support extended for the socio-economic development of the country, in particular in the area of human resources development.