The MDP expresses its deep concerns surrounding the parliamentary elections held on 22 March 2014
26 March 2014

The Maldivian Democratic Party expresses its deep concerns surrounding the parliamentary elections held on 22 March 2014. While the MDP accepts defeat in the election, it calls on international community to analyze the surrounding electoral environment prior to polling day.

The MDP believes the processes of elections from a quantitative point of view were efficient and well managed. However, continued judicial interference in the electoral process affected the independence of the elections commission, and created an atmosphere not conducive towards holding a free and fair election.

This includes the last minute removal of Elections Commissioner, Mr. Fuwad Thowfeeq, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Fayaz and threat to jail all of its members by the same Supreme Court, where the court were the judge, plaintiff and the jury. The MDP believes their final attempt to intimidate state actors and voters — in ways similar to their actions ahead of the presidential elections held in November — affected people’s confidence in the election and resulted in lower voter turnout.

The MDP calls on international community for robust engagement with the Government of Maldives and all state actors to ensure Maldives does not backtrack on hard-won freedoms and reforms that followed the ratification of the 2008 Constitution.

“The 7 Feb 2012 coup d’état, legitimised by the CoNI report, ushered in a period of authoritarian rule which continues to this day. We have a situation in which the Supreme Court now feels empowered to sentence the Elections Commission on politically motivated charges only a week before polling day.

‘The Maldives no longer has an effective separation of powers and forces close to the former dictatorship now control all three branches of the state,’ said President Mohamed Nasheed.

ENDS