EU Presidency Statement on the parliamentary elections in the Republic of Maldives on 9 May 2009

The Presidency of the Council of the European Union welcomes the holding of the first democratic multi-party parliamentary elections in the Republic of Maldives. The election, which took place following the adoption of a new Constitution in August 2008, was a further step in the democratic reform process.

The Presidency of the Council of the European Union congratulates the people of the Maldives for the generally peaceful atmosphere in which polling was conducted, and the polling committees for their patience in completing the process after the Elections Commission ordered that polling be extended.

The elections were competitive and conducted in a transparent manner. Although a small number of voters could not find their names on voter lists, the Elections Commission had previously done their utmost to ensure that the election was as inclusive as possible.

The Elections Commission received a variety of complaints on Election Day. The Presidency of the Council of the EU calls on the authorities to investigate these fully, and for candidates to resolve any remaining election disputes through the available legal remedies.

The Presidency of the Council of the EU reiterates its support for the people of the Maldives in their efforts to complete the establishment of fully democratic state institutions. The EU stands ready to continue to support the state authorities in the ongoing democratic transition.