No international pressure for an early election: Dhunya

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dhunya Maumoon has said today that no foreign country has pressured Maldives to hold presidential elections before 2013.

Speaking at a press conference at PPM Office this afternoon, Dhunya said that she does not believe that any country can demand that an early election be held in the Maldives. She also said that even though India has requested that all political parties hold discussions regarding early elections, no country has pressured that these discussions should have a particular outcome.

“Several Indian officials have visited the Maldives, including their Foreign Secretary. They played a very constructive role. They said that an early election should be held if it can be agreed upon after discussions. I don’t think they can demand that these discussions have a certain outcome,” Dhunya said.

Dhunya said that even though MDP does not participate in the ‘all party talks’ conducted by the current government, a decision needs to be made regarding holding an early election. She also said that if it is believed that an early election is necessary, the Constitution should be revised and preparations must commence to facilitate it.

“UN has also said that this decision must be made by the people of the Maldives. So the views of political parties and independent institutions are very important in making this decision,” Dhunya said.

She further said that five countries and several international organisations have recognized the new government of the Maldives in writing. They include USA, India, Sri Lanka, Russia, Germany, SAARC, EU and UN.