Commonwealth encourages all stakeholders to respect CNI

The Commonwealth has urged all stakeholders to respect the findings of the Commission of National Inquiry (CNI), established to investigate the change of government.

A Statement issued today by the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Maldives, Sir Donald McKinnon advises Maldivians to ‘reflect carefully on how to act upon’ the decisions of the CNI.

“I look forward to the imminent completion of the work of the reconstituted Commission of National Inquiry and to its being able to agree on its Report. As we approach the release of that Report, I would encourage all stakeholders to respect the Commission’s findings, and to take time to reflect carefully on how to act upon them in a manner that maintains harmony in Maldivian society and helps strengthen democratic practice and institutions in the country.”

The report noted the importance of ensuring that public order is maintained, and urged all concerned to act with restraint and responsibility.

“There will no doubt be many issues to address emerging from the Commission’s Report. I encourage political leaders to increase their efforts towards engaging in genuine dialogue, in order that consensus may be achieved, in a constructive and peaceful manner, on the path forward.”

Sir Donald McKinnon said that he is in regular contact with both President Waheed and former President Nasheed, and would continue to do so in the days ahead.