Commonwealth and UN representatives in Maldives to press for election

Representatives from the United Nations (UN) have been scheduled to arrive in the Maldives to press for the second re-run of the first round of the presidential election, to be held on Saturday.

UN revealed on Tuesday that Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Oscar Fernandez-Taranco will begin a two-day mission to the Maldives on Wednesday to meet with key actors and government officials prior to the presidential election.

UN stated that Mr. Fernandez-Taranco “will stress the importance of holding the elections as planned and ensuring a constitutional path forward, encouraging Maldivian political leaders and Government officials to fulfil their responsibilities towards the democratic process.”

Commonwealth Secretary General’s Special Envoy to the Maldives, Sir Don McKinnon arrived in the Maldives on Sunday and has conducted meetings with key political leaders.

Mr. Fernandez-Taranco’s visit coinciding with that of Sir Don McKinnon reflects the close coordination between the UN and the Commonwealth on the situation in the Maldives, said the UN.

Indian High Commission in the Maldives said the country’s Joint Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs, Harshvardhan Shringla is also in the Maldives to guide election talks.

Despite the international community's calls for prompt elections, doubts have already started to linger if the Maldives will succeed in holding the presidential election as planned on 9 November.