MDP asks government start talks with opposition

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has expressed approval of Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group’s warning they will take resolute action against Maldives, calling out for the Maldivian government to open dialogue with the opposition.

MDP said in a press release on Friday night that CMAG’s decision to include Maldives in their official agenda comes after the government’s failure to make any progress in reforming areas of concern noted by CMAG.

CMAG has demanded that Maldivian government start a fair and transparent dialogue with the all opposition political parties, free all political prisoners, allow opposition leaders living in exile to return back to Maldives and participate in politics and presidential elections in 2018, stop misusing laws such as anti-terrorism law to silence the opposition, stop unlawful prosecution of politicians, ensure separation of powers, ensure a free and fair judiciary, provide room for civil societies to thrive and restore confidence in the government.

CMAG will make a final decision on taking stricter actions against Maldives in March, 2017.

MDP criticized the government over the issue, saying that the government had failed and their top officials had failed to make a case for themselves with the CMAG.

They have asked that the government start all-party talks immediately, expressing concern over the damage to the country if CMAG were to implement decisive action against it.

The all-party talks had been at a standstill after MDP and Adhaalath Party demanded that the government release jailed politicians if they wanted an open dialogue with the opposition.

CMAG has asked that the opposition join the talks unconditionally.