The Government of Maldives has warmly welcomed the announcement of the decision of Elections Commission to begin preparations for the Presidential Elections to be held this year.
In a statement issued, the Maldivian Government took note of the announcement Elections Commission to hold the first round of Presidential Elections during early September and encouraged all relevant stakeholders to offer the Commission full, unreserved support.
It was noted in the statement that free, fair and credible elections are the foundation of the country's democracy and that it is essential for continuity of the nation's growth, stability and prosperity. The Government also extended its invitation to all international stakeholders to observe the electoral process; and at the same time urged the international community to provide support and assistance in bringing back normalcy in the Maldives, and requests the international community to refrain from any action that could hinder resolving the situation the country is facing.
In the statement, the Maldivian Government reiterated its commitment to provide a free and stable environment to carry out campaigns which will lead up to the Presidential Elections and reaffirmed hope that all relevant stakeholders extend support to the endeavor.
All elections after the ratification of the Constitution were accepted to be fair and free by all parties, and that the Government recommends all political parties and politicians alike to work towards making the upcoming Presidential Elections free and fair, rather than engage in a battle to topple the Government and to destabilise the nation, according to the statement.