Commonwealth experts depart Maldives pending rescheduled elections

The Secretary-General, Don McKinnon, announced today the temporary departure from Maldives of the Commonwealth team of Democracy Experts which had been sent to observe the parliamentary elections previously scheduled for 31 December.

"In the wake of the recent Indian Ocean tsunami disaster, which badly hit Maldives as well as other countries of the region, I have been advised by President Gayoom that it has been necessary to reschedule the elections," Mr McKinnon said.

"This was obviously a difficult but understandable decision.  I told President Gayoom that the Commonwealth would continue to work to support the successful conduct and observation of the rescheduled elections, as well as to mobilise international support for Maldives and other nations facing the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami tragedy. Our thoughts are with those who have suffered from this disaster".

The Maldives Government has confirmed that the elections are now expected to be held on 22 January 2005.