Ministry of Foreign of Affairs has released a press release highlighting the historic step taken by the People’s Special Majlis in removing the gender bar for running for the presidency. The press release noted that the gender bar removal was one of the keynote proposals presented by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in 2004 when he initiated the process of constitutional reform.
The removal of the gender bar is also a vital step towards honoring Maldives international commitments under UN human rights conventions said the Foreign Ministry press release.
The decision to remove the bar came as the Special Majlis debated the presidential chapter of the new constitution.
Commenting on the gender bar’s removal, Minster of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Shahid called it a “vital step towards creating a modern democracy in which all persons, irrespective of gender, are treated equally and given equal opportunities to follow their dreams and contribute to the society”.
Minister also noted that the removal represents anther positive step in country’s efforts to conform to international human rights standards including those set out by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
The Minister noted that Maldives reservation pertaining to this issue in the CEDAW could be removed when the new constitution came into effect.
Another major involvement was the removal of the bar on individuals with foreign spouses from post of President.
Minister Shahid noted that the removal of the bars on gender and individuals with foreign spouses, will together ensure that this year’s first ever multi party presidential election will open all Maldivian irrespective of sex or political beliefs.
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