Commonwealth Observer Group to observe election from nine locations in Maldives

The 17-member Commonwealth Observer Group has said that the presidential election in the Maldives will be observed from nine locations across the country.

The group said in a press conference held at Traders Hotel today, that the group was appointed by Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma at the invitation of the Maldives Elections Commission.

The group, made up of former politicians, former members of Elections Commissions of various countries, and former diplomats, will be led by former Prime Minister of Malta Dr Lawrence Gonzi during their visit to the Maldives to observe the election.

Speaking at today’s press conference, Dr Gonzi said that his team will be deployed to nine atolls in the country.

He said that the atolls have not yet been decided, and that densely populated atolls would be given precedence.

The Commonwealth Secretariat said in a statement earlier, “The Commonwealth Observer Group’s mandate is to observe and consider all aspects of the electoral process with a view to assessing compliance with the standards for democratic elections to which Maldives has committed itself. Where appropriate, the Group may also make recommendations for the future strengthening of the electoral framework.”

According to the statement, the 17-member Commonwealth Observer Group will arrive in Malé on 31 August and will remain there until 14 September 2013.