The European Union has issued a statement reiterating its strong support to democratic transition in the Maldives and stressing the importance of peaceful, credible, transparent, and inclusive presidential elections.
“It is essential to ensure that the outcome of these elections fully reflects the wishes of the Maldivian people, in order to safeguard the Maldives’ democratic institutions and to enable its next government to confront the serious political, institutional, economic, social and environmental challenges in the country. The EU has extended its full support in helping Maldives to achieve these aims,” the statement read.
The statement follows a visit by the EU Heads of Mission accredited to Maldives to Malé from May 13-15. During the visit, the diplomats met with the Maldivian president, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Economic Development and Finance and Treasury as well as other government officials, the Elections Commission, political parties and civil society.