The Edition
facebook icon twitter icon instagram icon linkedin icon

Latest

US issues second warning to Maldives over ‘electoral rigging’ case

Rae Munavvar
13 October 2018, MVT 18:25
The Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of US Department of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Alice Wells, meets with President-Elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Rae Munavvar
13 October 2018, MVT 18:25

The United States of America issued a warning on Saturday, assuring that “appropriate measures” will be taken against anyone who “undermines a peaceful transfer of power.”

The warning comes in light of rising concerns over outgoing President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s bid to nullify the result of the presidential elections held on September 23rd.

According to a message delivered by Deputy Spokesperson to the US Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) Robert J. Palladino, the “troubling actions” of President Yameen, which”threaten to undermine the will” of the Maldivian people.

In his statement, Palladino noted that although the ruling party’s presidential candidate lost by a wide margin, the outgoing president had not only filed a case to nullify the elections, but there were reports of various threats made to members of the Elections Commission.

Statement from the official handle for USA's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA). IMAGE: STATE_SCA / TWITTER

Expressing concern over the matters, he confirmed that US will consider measures against anyone who seeks to delay or obstruct the presidential oath taking of President-Elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, slated to take place on November 17.

The acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of US Department of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Alice Wells, met with President-Elect Solih, government leaders and some of the 12 opposition legislators who were unseated from parliament last year by the Elections for crossing the floor.

Palladino iterated that Wells had given assurances that the US would work with President-Elect Solih and his government to ensure that democracy prevails in the Maldives.

In a statement made to “The Indian Express”, the Deputy Spokesperson for US Bureau Department South and Central Affairs noted that earlier warnings had been issued cautioning that measures would be taken against those whose actions may undermine democracy, the rule of law, and a free and fair electoral process in the Maldives.

“We are keen to support Maldivian initiatives to strengthen democracy, improve governance, root out corruption, enhance security, promote economic development and bilateral trade and investment, and protect the environment,” the State Department official said.

During her meeting with the President-Elect, Wells added that the United States expected a peaceful and timely transfer of power.

Share this story

Topics

US-Maldives

Discuss

MORE ON NEWS