Focus must be on ensuring free, fair and inclusive presidential elections: Commonwealth

The Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Special Envoy Sir Donald McKinnon has said that at this point, the Maldives’ focus must be on ensuring free, fair and inclusive presidential elections in 2013.

McKinnon said in a statement on the situation of Maldives dated 18 February 2013, that he was monitoring recent developments in Maldives closely.

McKinnon said, “Following the events of last year, it is important that the people of Maldives now move on from the past and look forward. The focus at this point must be on ensuring free, fair and inclusive Presidential elections in 2013."

He urged to prioritise work on election preparations, and noted the willingness of the Commonwealth and other international partners to assist with this process.