The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has again reiterated its commitment to political dialogue.

President Nasheed who was transferred to house arrest this week stated that he would not be an obstacle to the all-party talks. In a vote by the Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on Wednesday night, the decision was taken to proceed despite President Nasheed not being present at the table at the outset.

The MDP’s delegation remains unchanged:

President Mohamed Nasheed – President of the MDP
Ali Waheed – Chairperson of the MDP
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih – MP for Hinnavaru, MDP Parliamentary Group Leader

It is hoped that President Nasheed will be able to join in the discussions.

The MDP’s roadmap for all party talks are centred on the following principles:

– Resolution of the current political crisis
– Strengthening of democracy through legislative and judicial reform
– Political, economic and social development in the Maldives.

First and foremost, MDP demands the release of all political prisoners and the dropping of politically motivated criminal and judicial proceedings initiated since February 2015 against approximately 400 people. It also demands the reinstatement of all those dismissed from their jobs for participating in peaceful political activity. The MDP is committed to seeking a political solution to this crisis, and again highlights the long-term judicial and legislative reform required to reverse the current trend of Government backed judicial overreach.

ENDS