N. Velidhoo Community: 6 month transitional period required for smooth transition

Friday, December 21, 2007

6 month transitional period required for smooth transition - EU

21 December 2007
Report: Soodh

The European Parliament Delegation which arrived Maldives on the 19th of this month has said that some form of “transitional arrangement” must be in place for six months to move painlessly from the old to the new constitution.

In a press conference held last night at Kurumba Village resort, Robert Evans MEP said that the parliamentary time is very short if elections are to be held in September and said that some form of “transitional arrangement” must be in place for six months to move painlessly from the old constitution to the new constitution. It was also said that the agreement on the last chapters of the constitution about presidential powers and transitional arrangements as well as laws establishing independent commissions need to be agreed within 4-5 weeks of the Special Majlis reconvening in Mid January.

In a press conference held last night at Kurumba Village, the chairperson of the delegation Robert Evans MEP, replying to a question by press regarding the formation of a transition government said that it was for the Maldivians to decide what they would include in the new constitution. He said that different models of transition period are followed in different parts of the world and it is advised for Maldives to choose which suits us most

The European Parliament delegation said that they had productive discussions with government, opposition and the civil society and all parties are positive about completing the new constitution early in 2008. They also say that all parties are positive about the road map, the new constitution and the challenges ahead before the elections.

But the European Parliament delegation underlined that a constitution is necessary but not sufficient – the parallel institutions must also be set up for elections to meet international standards, especially an Independent Election commission representing the interests of all competing parties, and the promised Police complaints’ and independent judiciary bodies.