The Member States of Commonwealth have informed there are no objections for Maldives to rejoin the association.
Announcing the decision of members states, Secretary-General (SG) of the Commonwealth Patricia Scotland revealed the member states did not object the Maldives submission to rejoin the commonwealth. Following the announcement, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid tweeted expressing gratitude the membership process will be completed early next year.
In a letter addressed to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the Secretary-General of Commonwealth said the representatives of the member states accepted the reports prepared by the two assessment teams that visited the Maldives. The letter highlighted Maldives has undergone all necessary procedures required to rejoin the association.
While member states are encouraging a sooner process to Maldives to join the Commonwealth, if rejoined earlier 2020, Maldives will be able to take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting scheduled to be held in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, as a full-fledged member.
Maldives was withdrawn from the Commonwealth after 34 years of being a member, on October 13, 2016 during the presidency of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. However, once the current administration took office, major efforts were exerted to join the commonwealth while the decision was made at the first cabinet meeting held under the leadership of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on November 19, 2018.