No monitoring of future elections - Saleem

President of Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) Ahmed Saleem has revealed that the commission would cease its monitoring of future elections.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the British government funded Election Reporting Course organized by the BBC in collaboration with Maldives Media Association (MMA) President of HRCM said that even though the Commission would not monitor future elections, he would still check to see whether the right to vote is afforded to all eligible voters.

Saleem noted that Human Right Commissions in other parts of the world do not engage themselves in monitoring elections. He said that the last election which the commission monitored was the referendum on the system of government. He said that a complete report was compiled on the findings of the elections.

Noting that media played an important role in any election, Saleem said he would maintain close relations with media. He revealed that discussions were underway with Information Ministry to hold a series of seminars for the members of the press.

Saleem further said that it was important for the members of the press to be united and indicated that he work to eliminate all obstacles towards a free and independent press. In this regard Saleem noted that the commission does not support banning of websites. However he noted that the commission also does not support posting of pictures and articles which defame others.

The ceremony were also participated by John Culley, Director Political Affairs of British High Commission. Speaking at the ceremony after handing over the certificates, John Culley said this year was an important year in Maldivian politics. He highlighted the importance of covering the first ever multiparty elections with out any prejudice or bias.

The Logo and the Fund of MMA were also inaugurated at the ceremony. The logo was inaugurated by the Guest of Honor Saleem.

Speaking about the fund, President of the MMA Thoyib Mohamed said the objective of the fund was accumulating funds which would be used for short courses and training programs required to upgrade the reporters. He noted that that Fund already has Rf.200, 000 donated by the Information Ministry. Thoyib thanked Minister Nasheed for the generous aid.

Election Reporting Course was held in two phases. The first phase was held from 13 to 17 of this month and was aimed at senior members of the press. The second phase of the course was held from 20 to 24 and was aimed at junior reporters. A total of 30 participants completed the training. Information at the course was mainly given by a BBC trainer Naomi Gold Smith.

A further training session funded by British government for the reporters will be held in March this year and will held for a duration of 3 days.