President calls for early elections in July 2013

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has called for early elections in July 2013.

President’s Office stated that this is the earliest date for an election permitted under the Constitution.

The statement released by the President’s Office says that President Waheed is fully committed to strengthening democratic processes in the Maldives, and the successful holding of parliamentary by-elections on 14 April has confirmed the independence and democratic credentials of the Elections Commission. As such, President Waheed is confident in calling for an election at the earliest date allowed by the constitution.

In response to the findings of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, the government noted the continued engagement, especially in recent weeks, by the Commonwealth in strengthening democracy and the rule of law in the Maldives. The government of the Maldives indicated that it is fully committed to a credible and independent investigation into the development of events from 14 January to 8 February 2012 and fully supports the impartial Commission of National Inquiry set up to conduct the investigation.

“While the government agrees with the views of the United Nations’ Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, that this investigation should be conducted by means of a national mechanism, it fully welcomes the offer of Commonwealth Special Envoy Sir Donald McKinnon to assign a judge to advise and assist the Commission of National Inquiry,” reads the statement.

The government stressed its full commitment to upholding democratic values championed by the Commonwealth, the Constitution, and rule of law.