Elections Commission of Maldives is an independent commission: India

India has said that the Elections Commission of Maldives works independently.

Deputy Elections Commissioner of the Election Commission of India, Dr Alok Shukla, who is presently visiting the Maldives, said at a press conference held today that the Elections Commission of the Maldives has the capability to ensure that the presidential election and other elections held in the Maldives are fair and conducted independently.

Dr Shukla said that the Elections Commission of the Maldives is organised, and that the employees of the commission are competent and efficient in their work.

Speaking on areas that need improvement, he said that the employees should be provided more training, and that they should travel abroad to observe and experience how elections are conducted in other countries.

He said that the Elections Commission of the Maldives also needs improvement in terms of technology, and that modern methods of monitoring campaigns need to be introduced.

The members of the Election Commission of India said that they have prepared a report on how the Elections Commission of the Maldives can be improved, and that this report has been handed over to the Elections Commission of the Maldives.

They further said that the Indian government and Election Commission would fully support and assist the efforts to train and improve the Elections Commission of the Maldives. They also assured to accord cooperation in the presidential election in the Maldives later this year.