Reforming Maldives judicial sector will be difficult: UN

United Nations (UN) Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Mr Oscar Fernández-Taranco, who is currently visiting the Maldives, has said that reforming the judicial system of the Maldives will be a complicated and difficult process.

He said this while speaking at a press conference held at the UN Building today to provide information on his visit to Maldives.

He said that the report of the Commission of National Inquiry (CNI) also highlighted the importance of reforming the judicial system, and that the UN will provide technical assistance to Maldives in this regard.

Mr Fernández-Taranco said that political parties, government and all relevant groups should engage in dialogue immediately in order to resolve the many problems faced by the country before next year’s election.

When asked about the response he received from senior government officials and leaders of political parties following the meetings held with them during his two-day visit, Mr Fernández-Taranco said that the response has been positive, and that they informed him that political discussions are ongoing.

He said that a team of experts of the UNDP arrived with him in the Maldives on 3 December, and that the team will spend some time here to assess and determine the areas in which the Maldives needs assistance in relation to next year’s election.

He underscored that the election should be independent, fair, transparent and peaceful.

The UNDP expert team will study the political, technical and security situation in the Maldives in relation to an election.