Reference: 26/02/2012

2 March 2012

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) today reiterated its commitment to the India-mediated Roadmap, to the Talks, and to resolving the ongoing political crisis through dialogue, including parliamentary dialogue. However, MDP also reiterated its call for Dr. Waheed’s regime to publicly commit to early elections by a certain date as an essentially precondition to continued progress – including in the People’s Majlis.

Spokesman for the MDP, Hamid Abdul Ghafoor, said “in-line with the IPU and others, we understand the importance of dialogue, especially in the Majlis, as a means of resolving the political deadlock in the country. However, we also believe that in order to have a focused dialogue inside and outside parliament there must be a clear commitment by Dr. Waheed to elections by a certain date during 2012. When that date is announced, all parties can and must work together to ensure the conditions are set for the conduct of those elections. MDP will certainly play its part in that regard”.

The MDP also welcomed today the largely peaceful nature of yesterday’s protests both inside and outside parliament – protests involving up to 20,000 people, the majority of whom were women. MDP commended the police for the way in which they marshaled the protests and for the restraint they showed. The MDP also commends the thousands of people who turned out to protest peacefully. The MDP regrets isolated incidents of violence both by and against protesters and at any injuries caused. MDP again calls on all those participating in protests to do so peacefully and within the law and to show maximum restraint.

MDP however regrets the actions of some MNDF officers inside parliament who used excessive force against the MPs. The party agrees with the view of Speaker Shahid that the stand-off witnessed yesterday must be resolved through dialogue – not through force.

“MDP urges the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives and the Police Integrity Commission to urgently investigate these latest instances of police brutality and to make their findings public” said Hamid Abdul Ghafoor, MDP spokesperson for international affairs.

ENDS

Hamid Abdul Ghafoor

Spokesperson, International Affairs

Mobile: +9607778285

Tel: +9603340044