UN will assist as election observers in 2013: Ban Ki Moon

The UN Secretary General (UNSG), Ban Ki Moon has said that the UN will support Maldives in election preparations, and also act as an observer in the 2013 elections.

Ban Ki Moon made this statement in his meeting with President Dr Mohamed Waheed on Sunday.

The President’s Office said that the UNSG assured Maldives of the continued support of the UN in consolidating democracy. He particularly noted support of the UN in preparing for the 2013 elections and as election observers , and specifically requested Maldives to continue to advocate and take leadership on the issue of climate change.

President Waheed thanked the UNSG and the UN for their continued support for the country in the past, and especially in the months following the transfer of power in F-ebruary 2012. He noted the support of UN in reconstituting the CNI and remarked that the UN observer had been especially impressed with the transparency of the process and the excellent support provided by the Government of Maldives.

The President also noted that the issues and challenges noted in the CNI report as well as the Human Rights Commission and Police Integrity Commission reports will be given high priority by the Government of Maldives.