India renews call for democracy in Maldives

Thursday, 14 February 2013 03:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

India has renewed its call for proper democracy in the Maldives ahead of the presidential elections slated for mid-September.

The Ministry of External Affairs of India in a statement on recent developments in Maldives said yesterday following the arrest warrant issued against him by the Hulhumale Magistrate Court, the former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, who is a candidate for the Presidential elections in Maldives scheduled for September 2013, is in the Indian High Commission and has sought India’s assistance and that it is in touch with the relevant Maldivian authorities to resolve the situation.

As a close and friendly neighbour, India has expressed concern over the ongoing political instability in Maldives and called upon the Government and all political parties to adhere strictly to democratic principles and the rule of law, thereby paving the way for free, fair, credible and inclusive elections.

Now that the President of the Election Commission of Maldives has announced that Presidential elections would be held on 7 September 2013, it is necessary that the Presidential nominees of recognised political parties be free to participate in the elections without any hindrance.

Prevention of participation by political leaders in the contest would call into question the integrity of the electoral process, thereby perpetuating the current political instability in Maldives.

This is not in the interest of Maldives or the region.

India would call upon the Government and all political parties in Maldives to avoid any actions that would vitiate the political atmosphere in the Maldives.