Commonwealth group 'impressed' by Maldives' election process

A Commonwealth team that came to observe the Maldives parliamentary elections has said that it was “impressed” by the election day process.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the Chair of the Observer Group, Jamaica’s former Prime Minister Bruce Golding commended the Maldivian people “for the peaceful and orderly manner in which they exercised their democratic right to vote.”

“Once again, they have taken a step forward in consolidating their country’s democracy,” he added, challenging the elected leaders “to spare no effort in realizing their aspirations.”

Golding and team will compile a report based on their observations, which will be sent to Secretary General Patricia Scotland. While the Maldives’ former government, in 2016, decided to leave the Commonwealth, this report will be considered by the SG in her ongoing assessment of the country’s commitment to the Commonwealth’s values.

Rejoining the organization is one of the current administration’s pledges, with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih sending a letter of intent to SG Scotland, less than a month after assuming office in November.

Hence, Golding emphasized that they did not take their task of observing the parliamentary elections “lightly.”

While the Commonwealth has not observed an election in the Maldives since the 2014 parliamentary election, Golding noted that some concerns raised by previous Commonwealth observers “remain relevant,” especially in regard to the pre-election environment.

“This includes, allegations of vote buying; the misuse of state resources, the need to develop a more effective regulatory framework for campaign financing; and the need to continue strengthening civic education,” he said, adding that they “will expand on these in [the] final report and offer recommendations to the relevant stakeholders.”

The delegation arrived in the Maldives on March 30, and had met with a number of stakeholders including political parties, civil society and media representatives, the police, the Elections Commission of Maldives, diplomatic missions and international agencies.

The Chair noted two recurrent views noted during their consultations; the need to enhance the country’s independent democratic institutions and to strengthen the rule of law and separation of powers between the judiciary, the executive and the legislatures.

Golding and team also commended the Elections Commission “for the smooth conduct of polls and the quality of training demonstrated by the polling officials.”

The Chair also noted the greater engagement of women as polling officials, while highlighting that “the low rate of women’s political participation remains a recurring issue.”

While 386 candidates contested for 87 constituencies in this year’s parliamentary election, only 35 were women; four were elected, which is one less than previous parliament.

The Commonwealth Observers Group were active in Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Kaafu, Laamu and Thaa atolls, as well as Malé and Addu cities.