Australian High Commission
Colombo
MEDIA RELEASE
22 October 2013
Statement on the Maldives
The Australian Government noted today the announcement of rescheduled election dates in the Maldives.
The international community has been watching developments in the Maldives with concern since the Supreme Court annulled the first round of Presidential Elections on 7 October.
The first round of Presidential Elections on 7 September was judged free and fair by international and domestic observers. Following the annulment, a new first round of Presidential elections was scheduled to be held on 19 October but did not proceed. The Election Commission has now announced that elections will be held on 9 November.
It is imperative that the elections now be held as scheduled with no further delays. Maldives voters have engaged actively and in good faith with the electoral process and this commitment needs to be honoured.
As a fellow Indian Ocean country and Commonwealth member Australia stresses the importance of abiding by democratic values and processes, good governance and strong resilient institutions.
Australia looks to all state bodies and presidential candidates in the Maldives to work together collaboratively to ensure that the election can take place in a manner that is free, fair and inclusive.