“Political parties blocking key legislation on principle”: UN Resident Coordinator

“The Executive and the Parliament have faced off on avoidable issues, and contributed to rising tensions. Political parties have opposed each other and blocked key legislation as a matter of principle, even if there is no substantive disagreement,” Cox stated.

“The judiciary, already in need of strengthening, has faltered. It has been disrupted by political pressure, inflicting lasting damage on its independence and reputation. Equally, the constitution and separation of powers have come under tremendous strain.”

Tensions between the emergent three arms of government, each testing their limits, were preventing the Maldivian people “from savouring the fruits of this hard-won democracy.”

The only way forward from such political instability, Cox said, was dialogue: “Debate, dialogue and exchange of ideas are key features of a democratic society.”

Quoting former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Cox said that “What matters is that all peoples accept the need to listen; to compromise; to take each other’s views into account. What matters is that they come together, not at cross purposes but with a common purpose: to shape their common destiny.”

The UN would assist in ensuring the country’s first local council elections were conducted freely and fairly, Cox said.

“In addition to this crucial event, the UN is committed to support the establishment of an enabling environment for effective decentralisation. We hope that this will make services and political power more accessible, accountable, and transparent to the people.”

Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan, UN staff and assorted high commissioners attended the event this afternoon at the UN building, to mark the 65th anniversary of the UN.