UN urges political leaders to allow peaceful, inclusive election

Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon has urged Maldivian political leaders allow for a peaceful, inclusive and credible parliamentary election, scheduled for 22 March.

“The Secretary-General urges all political leaders to respect the democratic process and allow for a peaceful, inclusive and credible Parliamentary vote to take place in accordance with the Constitution,” read a statement by the Secretary-General’s Spokesperson on Monday.

In the statement, the Secretary-General stressed that it is of the utmost importance that the will of the Maldivian people be respected throughout the process.

The Secretary-General also expressed concern over the decision by the Supreme Court to remove the Chair and the Vice Chair of the Elections Commission and to sentence the Chair for contempt of court.

He underlined the importance of respect for the principle of separation of powers, the rule of law, and the independence of constitutionally established bodies, and commended the Elections Commission for its professionalism and effort to ensure credible and transparent elections.