EU welcomes 'peaceful and democratic' parliamentary election
Current projections show main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party securing over 60 seats in the parliamentary election
File photo: a high-level EU delegation in Maldives
The European Union has welcomed the Maldives’ “peaceful and democratic” parliamentary elections.
A joint statement issued by the embassies of France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Romania and the United Kingdom on Monday, commended the authorities, in particular the Elections Commission of Maldives “for the smooth conduct of election day.”
While current projections show main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) securing over 60 seats in the election, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih reassured that he “will continue to work with the leaders of all coalition partners to ensure we deliver our pledges to the people,” despite the very public issues within the coalition.
One of its partners, Jumhooree Party (JP) has been at odds with MDP, since the latter decided to compete in all 87 constituencies in the parliamentary election; JP had chosen to ally with former President Abdulla Yameen’s opposition ‘Progressive’ coalition for the election.
EU welcomed the president’s statement, and added that “as steadfast friends of the Maldives, we look forward to supporting the country’s efforts towards reform.”
A EU team was in the Maldives to observe Saturday’s parliamentary election, and their report will be released in two months or so.
