EU delegation to assess election recommendations

A European Union delegation is visiting the Maldives to assess the implementation of recommendations made in a 2014 election observation report, ahead of this year’s presidential polls.

The 2014 EU Mission to the Maldives was led by Slovakian MEP and former foreign minister Eduard Kukan, and published a report recommending steps to ensure the transparency of campaign financing, promote the participation of women and reduce the risk of vote-buying.

The EU’s Follow-up Mission, led by Kukan, is expected to discuss recommendations in the report, and the findings, following the 2014 parliamentary elections.

The delegation will meet Speaker Abdulla Maseeh, officials of the Elections Commission, Attorney General Mohamed Anil, Home Minister Azleen Ahmed, Gender Minister Zenysha Shaheed and officials from the Department of National Registration.

An EU delegation also visited the Maldives in October last year and met senior officials from political parties, civil society and journalists.