Monday, September 17, 2007

Commonwealth calls for a joint effort to meet November 30 deadline

16 September 2007
Report: Jaxlee

Commonwealth Secretary General Mr. Donald McKinnon has urged that the government and all parties should make a joint effort to accelerate the implementation of the reform process by completing the constitution before the November 30 deadline.

In a letter sent to President Gayoom, the secretary general noted that there were many positives in the referendum held in the Maldives. However, he called upon the government to work with all parties and finalize the constitution.

The secretary general also re-emphasized the commonwealth’s readiness to help the Maldives develop the second legislation necessary for the proper functioning of next year’s presidential election, such as electoral regulations, and legislations on freedom of assembly and expression.

Mr. McKinnon also offered support initiatives to enhance the capacity of the office of the commissioner of elections.

The commonwealth team has welcomed the ability of party agents, the human rights commission of the Maldives, and local journalists to monitor both the poll and the count process and also welcomed the provision of access state media for all political parties.

He said that the opening up of space for political expression and media freedom will be consolidated as the Maldives moves forward with the reform programme.

The monitoring team has finally recommended the government to establish an independent election commission in the future for better election procedures.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY

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