The government of Maldives has noted with concern the doubts and queries raised by certain international partners as the country prepares to hold the presidential election next month.
In a statement issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government highlighted campaigning for the election is progressing smoothly in a peaceful environment and the government is working closely with the Elections Commission of Maldives and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the election is free, fair and credible. The statement noted since the introduction of a 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 Elections 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 said it believes there is no room to doubt 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 full support and cooperation to the unrelenting efforts of the government and the people of the Maldives in this endeavour, according to the statement.
The government of Maldives said it is confident that, as in the past, the election would be held in a cordial and peaceful environment. The presidential election is scheduled to be held on September 23.