A source from the European Union has revealed that the decision to impose sanctions on certain entities and bodies of the Maldives is a signal sent to the authorities and that current sanctions could be stepped up if there are no visible improvements to the country’s political situation.
According to an article published by Maldives Independent, an EU source had told them that, “If the situation further deteriorates, in particular in the context of the presidential elections, we would consider to step up the current measures.”
The EU is currently imposing sanctions on entities or bodies that it deems are responsible for rights abuses or influencing free and fair elections from taking place, undermine rule of law and obstruct the finding of a political solution in the country, and focus these sanctions on two areas which are, travel bans and asset freezes.
Although it has been three weeks since an annex listing entities and bodies targeted to impose sanctions, it remains blank till date.
“We hope to send a political signal that it is necessary for the stability and the prosperity of the Maldives to restore the rule of law and the normal functioning of democratic institutions, in particular a functioning parliament and independent judiciary, and to engage in a genuine dialogue with the opposition to unlock the current political situation” EU had told Maldives Independent.
While the EU decided to impose sanctions on the Maldives in mid-July, it came after months of concern over worsening human rights and political conditions in the country. The EU had issued a report in April as well, following Ambassador Eduard Kukan’s last trip to Maldives. The report reads that “to date, the political and institutional environment of the Republic of Maldives has not been conducive for the adoption of meaningful and concerted electoral reforms.”
The Maldives is heading towards the Presidential Election which has been slated for the 23rd of September, a Sunday.
