President Waheed is fully committed to strengthening democratic processes in the Maldives and has called for elections in July 2013, the earliest date permitted under the Constitution. The successful holding of parliamentary by-elections on 14th April, that were ratified by all political parties, confirmed the democratic credentials of the Election Commission and the independent institutions involved. As such, President Waheed is confident in calling the country to a vote at the earliest constitutionally mandated time.
In response to the findings of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, the Government of Maldives noted the continued engagement by the Commonwealth in strengthening democracy and the rule of law in the Maldives especially in recent weeks.
The Government of the Maldives is fully committed to a credible and independent investigation into the events of the 14th January – 8th 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.
The Government of Maldives is fully committed to upholding the Constitution, rule of law, and democratic values championed by the Commonwealth.