Reference No: 18/02/2012

22 February 2012

CMAG Statement Makes Clear that the Crisis Can Only Be Resolved through Early Elections

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has warmly welcomed today’s Statement by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) on the situation in Maldives.

The CMAG meeting was chaired by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Communications of Trinidad and Tobago. Other members of the Group who participated in the meeting were the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh; Minister for Foreign Affairs of Canada; Minister for Foreign Affairs of Jamaica; Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of Tanzania; Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia; and the High Commissioner of Vanuatu to the UK.

At the meeting, CMAG received a report from the three-member ministerial mission that visited Maldives from 17-19 February 2012, to ascertain the facts surrounding the transfer of power and to promote adherence to Commonwealth values and principles.

The MDP notes and fully endorses the CMAG’s four main conclusions and recommendations:

First, that an independent and impartial investigation of the events of 6-7 February should be completed in a transparent manner within a reasonable timeframe, and that there should be international participation in any investigative mechanism, as may be mutually agreed by political parties in Maldives. MDP notes that, unfortunately, Dr. Waheed has already failed to comply with this recommendation.

Second, that key parties to the crisis should commence an immediate dialogue, without preconditions, to agree on a date for early elections, which should take place within this calendar year. The MDP remains ready to participate in serious discussions in this regard with other political parties that have a democratic mandate.

Third that such a dialogue should facilitate the opening of the Parliament session as scheduled on 1 March 2012, which should in turn lead to collaboration on the passage of the necessary constitutional amendment for the holding of early elections, as well as such legislation that needs to be passed to ensure peaceful, inclusive and credible elections. MDP believes securing such amendments should be the sole focus of the new parliamentary session. Other parliamentary business, including the annual Presidential Address, must be cancelled.

Fourth, the decision to appoint a Special Envoy to the Maldives, and the call for all sides to respect human rights and refrain from violence and incitement.

Finally, considering the seriousness of the situation in Maldives, MDP agrees with the decision to suspend the country’s membership of CMAG until such a time as the crisis is resolved and until a democratically-elected government once again holds Office.

ENDS

Hamid Abdul Ghafoor

Tel: +9603340044