The Government of Maldives has reiterated its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of foreign nationals residing in the country, as well as tourists visiting the Maldives on vacation.
In a statement issued in response to the conclusions issued by the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union, the Government of Maldives expressed firm commitment to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law.
Highlighting that State of Emergency declared on February 5 was extended for further 30 days by the Parliament due to the threats posed to national security following the Supreme Court ruling following which the State found itself facing a Constitutional deadlock, Foreign Ministry in the statement noted that there is now no legal mandate to implement the Supreme Court Order of February 1 as the Supreme Court Order was nullified, in part, by the Supreme Court by its Court Order issued on February 6 and other parts of it were suspended by its Court Order issued on February 18.
The statement of the Foreign Ministry went on to reiterate that in the Government’s decision to extend the State of Emergency on February 20, the Parliament lifted some of the restrictions imposed on the Constitutional Articles under the State of Emergency and declared the State of Emergency to be applied only to individuals alleged to have carried out illegal activities in connection to the Supreme Court Verdict of February 1, adding that measures taken by the Government was to ensure national security and Constitutional order, to uphold the rule of law and to safeguard the peace and stability of the nation.
Furthermore, the Government in its statement assured that State of Emergency is lifted as soon as the threats posed to national security is addressed satisfactorily noting that it is committed to resolving the current situation and has invited all Political Parties for dialogue.
The Government of Maldives appreciates the European Union for standing with the Maldives during this difficult period and calls to help facilitate the ongoing efforts to resolve the current Constitutional Crisis, and to return to normalcy, cited the statement mentioning that it will continue to work with the European Union and its member countries and appreciates the continued support and cooperation that the European Union is continuing to extend in strengthening the electoral, governance and democratic structures and framework.
The statement further noted that it has welcomed the initiative of the Election’s Commission to begin preparations for this year’s Presidential election, and is engaged to ensure a fair and stable environment for the conduct of those elections. The Maldives looks forward to having a free, fair and credible Presidential election in September of this year, and requests the support and guidance of all relevant stakeholders, the statement noted on conclusion.