Former President Mohamed Nasheed expressed deep concerns over lack of concerned and meaningful effort by the international community to prevent serious political conflicts in the Maldives.
In statement released from his official office, he condemned the actions of incumbent President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, referring to him as an authoritarian.
Stating that several things have been going wrong in the country, Nasheed said following the 2013 presidential elections which was repeatedly delayed, cancelled and manipulated by the Supreme Court and state authorities, the government of Maldives has not only ignored calls by the international community for reform but has passed anti-democratic legislation that undermines the fundamental principles of democracy, preventing any chance of free and fair elections. Though Nasheed accused the 2013 Presidential Elections of being rigged, the president back then was his Former Vice President Mohamed Waheed.
Moreover, stressing the recent decision to delay the Local Council Elections, Nasheed declared that the decision shows the immense influence the Executive power has on the judiciary and parliament. He also emphasized the bad impact of the political atmosphere on the country’s economy, expressing regret over the country’s democracy being hindered day by day.
“Taking note of the current situation, it is deeply regrettable that the international community has ignored the alarming situation in the Maldives, allowing the reversal of hard fought democratic reforms in a country they once hailed as a success story."
Meanwhile, Secretary-General of United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon has expressed concern over the increase in political polarization in the Maldives this week.
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