Commonwealth assessment team meets with Maldives media

The assessment team from the Commonwealth has met the Maldives media community on Thursday evening.

During the meeting held at the Maldives Media Council, discussions were held regarding the current situation in Maldives, including media freedom, as well as the country's plight to rejoin the organization after former President Abdulla Yameen chose to leave in October 2016.

The decision came after the country was officially put on notice by CMAG and given six months to address concerns including the detention and prosecution of opposition leaders, meddling with the judiciary and undermining democratic institutions.

Instead of responding, Yameen's government chose to leave the Commonwealth, accusing it of unjust and unfair treatment, and meddling with the country's internal politics.

Also at Thursday's meeting, disussions were held on the preparations for upcoming parliamentary elections.

The high-level delegation is currently in Maldives, carrying out an assessment of the country, which is to be compiled into a report and forwarded to Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland.

While there are four steps to be completed before Maldives can rejoin Commonwealth, this is just the first step.

The delegation of five came upon an invitation from Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid during his recent visit abroad where he also met with SG Scotland in London to request the fast-tracking of the process of Maldives’ rejoining the commonwealth, on the 27th of January.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had in December 2018, addressed a formal letter to SG Scotland expressing interest to rejoin the Commonwealth.

The team also met with President Solih on Thursday morning and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court as well.

Delegation from the Commonwealth pays courtesy call on President Solih. Photo by President's Office.

During the meeting, President Solih stated that re-joining the Commonwealth is one of his key pledges to the people. He also noted that Maldives stands ready to abide by the charter of the Commonwealth as it is one of the requirements for eligibility.

The delegation is also scheduled to meet Parliament speaker, Qasim Ibrahim and cabinet of ministers.

The Maldives first joined the Commonwealth in 1982 and left in October 2016, after 34 years as a Member State.