The European Union has stated the prevailing allegations by some Maldivian media may negatively affect voter confidence in the upcoming presidential election.
Responding to the media coverage of a controversial article published on EP Today, European Parliament's monthly news magazine revealed the European Union upholds its stance on Maldives, adding the decision of Maldives has not been changed since. EP Today reported the proposed sanctions list for Maldives contains a total of 41 names, even though the European Union in the statement revealed members of the European Parliament were visiting the Maldives in their private capacity and not on any official manner.
Furthermore, European Union stated the position regarding the situation in Maldives was defined jointly by all 28 member states through the council conclusions adopted in February which have been followed by the framework for targeted restrictive measures adopted in July, adding any follow-up decisions are prerogative of the Council of the European Union and have so far not been taken. The European Union assured to continue to closely monitor the situation in the lead up to the presidential election, noting it is crucial that the pre-electoral environment is transparent and conducive for a credible and inclusive election.
Meanwhile, the Elections Commission of Maldives has exerted major efforts to ensure the transparency of the upcoming election with information and updates being delivered to political parties and the general public.