EU to Observe the Maldives’ 2023 Presidential Election

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to the Maldives 2023, led by Chief Observer Mr. Nacho Sánchez Amor, a Spanish Member of the European Parliament, was officially launched last Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference in Malé on the 17th of August Chief Observer Sánchez Amor stated, “this marks the European Union’s second election observation mission to the Maldives, and it stands as the largest thus far. This demonstrates the EU’s unwavering commitment to bolstering the democratic process and the nation’s democratic institutions.”

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During his six-day visit to the Maldives, Chief Observer Sánchez Amor engaged with a diverse array of stakeholders, including state authorities, presidential candidates, the media, and representatives from civil society. He also took the time to immerse himself in the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage. 

Chief Observer Sánchez Amor remarked, “This election presents an opportunity to further solidify democracy within the nation. I trust that all state authorities and political parties will contribute to facilitating a credible, inclusive, and transparent election process, while also championing the importance of human rights.”

The core team of experts arrived in the Maldives on 31 July, with long-term observers deployed on 13 August, aligning with the EU’s established approach centred around a comprehensive evaluation of the entire electoral journey.

The EU has dispatched this mission following an invitation from the Maldives’ authorities. 

The mission’s mandate is to evaluate the 2023 Presidential election in alignment with the Maldives’ legal framework and the international and regional benchmarks and commitments that the nation has pledged towards democratic elections. 

The EU EOM adheres to a code of conduct, embodying principles of impartiality and non-interference. Its work is carried out in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, an initiative supported by the United Nations in 2005.

Approximately 40 EU observers, accompanied by observers from Norway, Switzerland, and Canada, are set to oversee the voting process, the tabulation of results, and the counting on 9 September.

The EU EOM will release an initial statement two days subsequent to the election day and will maintain its presence in the Maldives until the conclusion of the electoral proceedings.