Maldives' announcement of elections despite lack of independent institutions concerning, says India

While the Maldives is less than three months away from the presidential elections, India has once again expressed concern that its democratic institutions are not being allowed to function "in a free and transparent manner".

In its weekly media briefing, India's Ministry of External Affairs noted that it has been closely monitoring the situation in Maldives, adding that the government's decision to proceed with the elections despite the current situation in Maldives is "a matter of concern".

"The announcement of elections in the Maldives comes at a time when the democratic institutions including the Majlis and the judiciary are not allowed to function in a free and transparent manner is indeed a matter of concern", said the ministry's spokesperson Raveesh Kumar at the briefing.

Noting that it has called on the government of Maldives "to return to the path of democracy and ensure credible restoration of the political process and the rule of law, before the elections are conducted", Kumar emphasized that importance of a conducive atmosphere to hold a free and fair elections.

Relations between Maldives and India has been shaky lately, especially with China's growing influence in the archipelago nation. There have been reports of Indian nationals being denied visa in the Maldives, and Minister Swaraj has been asked to consider this ‘a national issue’. Things especially soured between the two nations after India called on Maldives to implement the Supreme Court of February 1, which President Yameen has described as an attempted “judicial coup”. India continues its call to implement the “ruling issued by the Supreme Court’s full bench".