Electoral process transparent and inclusive

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma on 25 November 2008 released the Final Report of the Commonwealth Observer Group which observed the Maldives Presidential Election on 8 October 2008 and the run-off on 28 October.

In issuing the report, he said: "The Commonwealth Observer Group found that the process was credible overall and met many of the benchmarks for democratic elections to which Maldives has committed itself.” He welcomed the Group’s finding that “the high level of transparency, inclusiveness, determination and interest of the electorate to participate in such large numbers stood out as positive features.”

The Secretary-General encouraged the Government of Maldives to “implement the Group’s recommendations for further strengthening the electoral process and procedures ahead of the forthcoming People’s Majlis election, expected to be held by 15 February 2009, particularly with regard to issues relating to the process of voter registration and compilation of the voter list.”

Mr Sharma applauded the people of Maldives for the peaceful conduct of this first ever historic multiparty and multi-candidate presidential election, and the spirit of co-operation and inclusiveness which marked the transition to a new government. He said: “The Commonwealth will continue to support Maldives in its efforts to build on this spirit of political co-operation and dialogue to help create a culture of democracy and to further consolidate democratic institutions and procedures in Maldives.”

The Report was completed and signed by all members of the Commonwealth Observer Group prior to their departure from Maldives. It was presented to the Commonwealth Secretary-General by the leader of the Group, Owen Arthur, former Prime Minister of Barbados. Before being made public, it was distributed to the Government of Maldives, political and civil society organisations, the Elections Commission of Maldives and all other Commonwealth governments.

Click here for the Commonwealth Observer Group Report on the 2008 Maldives Presidential Election.

Secretariat Links:

• Country Profile: Maldives
• Election Reports