Sharma congratulates people of Maldives on an historic election

29 October 2008

Country’s first multi-party presidential election represents the beginning of a new phase in the country’s democratic development – Sharma says

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma on 29 October 2008 congratulated the people of Maldives on an historic election.

“The country’s first multi-party presidential election held this month represents the beginning of a new phase in the country’s democratic development. It also represents a significant landmark in the bold process of democratic reform initiated by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom,” Mr Sharma said..

“I have spoken to the President Elect, Mr Mohamed Nasheed, to offer my congratulations to him and the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Alliance on their election victory. The MDP, as the country’s first opposition party, has played a crucial role over the years in raising public awareness of democratic rights and freedoms, and in leading the popular movement for political change. I look forward to working closely with Mr Nasheed for the benefit of the people of Maldives.”

“I have also spoken to outgoing President, Mr Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, to congratulate him for his statesmanship, leadership and vision in opening up the democratic and political space for others. He leaves a legacy of impressive growth and development in Maldives, and should be proud of his role in leading the country to a prosperous, democratic future,” he said.

“I am encouraged by the spirit of inclusiveness and co-operation that has been demonstrated by all the presidential candidates, and by President Gayoom’s own speedy and gracious acceptance of the will of the people. The spirit of this transition will be widely welcomed in the Commonwealth,” he added.

The Commonwealth has closely supported the democratic transition in Maldives since 2005 by close political engagement through the good offices of the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy Tun Musa Hitam and others, as well as the required technical assistance, in consultation with the Government. We will continue to support the country’s new leadership as it addresses the many challenges of governance.

A Commonwealth Observer Group led by Mr Owen Arthur, former Prime Minister of Barbados, has been present in Maldives throughout the electoral process, and will make an interim statement tomorrow on the run-off elections. They will submit their full report on the election process to the Secretary-General in the next few weeks.