We are concerned about talks of an early election date: Dunya

Dunya Maumoon, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has today said that the Maldivian Government welcomed the Statement of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), although she said that the Government was concerned about the Fact that CMAG Statement spoke about a date for early presidential elections in the Maldives.

Speaking to the press today, at a Press Conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunya said that there were things to be done before setting a date for early presidential elections in the country.

“They (CMAG) have noted, emphatically, the issue of an early presidential election. We are somewhat concerned about this. What I would like to say is that, the Government-change that took place here was perfectly valid and lawful as is clear from our Constitution. There are no constitutional questions that challenge the legitimacy of this government”, said Dunya.

Dunya also said that the international community did not believe that there was a question of legitimacy in relation to the current Government of the Maldives. She said that the Government had, despite this fact, formed an Inquiry Commission to consider the issue. The Commission was already doing its work, and anyone interested in seeing what happened would have the Commission’s findings when they are ready, said Dunya.

Dunya also said that “it is surprising” that CMAG is overenthusiastic about an early presidential election in the Maldives. She also said that the Government was ready for early elections if political parties in the country are cooperating on that line.

“I am somewhat surprised because of CMAG’s special interest in an early presidential election in the Maldives. The Government’s position on this matter is that, we are perfectly ready for talks of an early election, but we need cross-party support for that, and the matter must be resolved on the Majlis floor”, said Dunya.

Dunya expressed concern about the pause in all-party talks just as the Commonwealth is. She said that the Maldivian Democratic Party was not cooperating in the talks, and that while they called for peaceful discussions, street activism was constant, and that the Majlis was disrupted by MDP.

Dunya noted that the Maldives needed to establish a peaceful and orderly political environment before talks of an early presidential election. She also said that various institutions and bodies of the Government must start functioning well and independently, before such an election.

“We are now seeing extreme division in our society. Add to that an early presidential election, and questions about the results of such election would deteriorate the socio-political conditions of the country. If any party refuses to accept the results of the election, I think it might even lead to a civil war in our country. I do not want to see our country in such a condition”, said Dunya.

About CMAG’s point in relation to giving security and protection for former President Mohamed Nasheed, Dunya said that the security and protection mentioned by CMAG was already being provided to Nasheed. She also noted that the Statement of CMAG was noted to have been more concerned about the interests of a particular individual.