Recent Referendum reflects a fair public opinion - EU

30 September 2007
Report: Soodh

European Union, EU, yesterday issued a Declaration offering support to a process of democratic reform in the Maldives. The Declaration notes that the reform agenda promoted by the government since 2004 has produced a number of necessary steps towards a modern democracy with various challenges still to overcome. The Declaration further emphasizes the need to stay on track.

Commenting on the public referendum held on 18th August 2007 to determine the preferred system of government in Maldives, the Declaration notes the referendum offered a fair reflection of the public opinion.

The EU Declaration also calls on the government of Maldives to accelerate the implementation of the reform process and that preparations continue for the general elections planned in 2008. Declaration notes that elections should be free, fair and inclusive, so that people of the Maldives may have a chance to choose their leader for the future. In this respect the Declaration emphasizes the importance of completion of Constitutional reform by November 30 and urges all parties to actively work on this process.

EU declaration welcomed the role played by the Commonwealth Secretariat through its support to the democratic reform in Maldives.

The Declaration concludes by promising to follow developments in Maldives over the coming months.

VELIDHOO COMMUNITY