Nasheed should leave High Commission: Indian newspaper

An Indian newspaper has reported that India believes that Nasheed should leave the Indian High Commission in Maldives.

Citing an Indian official who spoke on the condition of anonymity, Indian news agency The Tribune reported that India hoped Nasheed would leave the mission on his own so that the complicated situation would be resolved. When asked what India would do if he did not leave, the sources said that “we will cross the bridge when we come to it”, reports the The Tribune.

The news agency also said that when asked why India allowed Nasheed to take shelter at the Indian mission, sources said he just came to the High Commission and told a young officer that he wanted to meet High Commissioner D.M. Mulay.

India has reiterated their stand that their statement following Nasheed’s taking camp in the High Commission was not intended to interfere with the internal affairs of Maldives.

India’s statement also called upon the Government and all political parties to adhere strictly to democratic principles and the rule of law, thereby paving the way for free, fair, credible and inclusive elections.

Other international parties have also echoed the same message. The United Nations (UN) and United Kingdom (UK) and the Commonwealth have urged to show restraint and work towards free and fair elections.

United States expressed concern about ongoing events in Male’, and said that former President Nasheed must be accorded due process under the law regarding his pending court cases.

The Maldivian government has said that all those who fit the criteria for presidency as specified in the constitution are free to contest in the upcoming elections, and said that whether the person fits the criteria for candidacy will be decided by the an independent institution, the Elections Commission.