Commonwealth Election Observers Arrive in the Maldives

The Commonwealth Observer Group, led by Chairperson H.E. Danny Faure, has officially commenced its mission to observe the 2023 Presidential Election in the Maldives, yesterday. 

In a statement issued upon their arrival in the capital city of Male, the former President of the Republic of Seychelles highlighted the significance of this mission as a testament to the Commonwealth’s support for the people of the Maldives.

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“This is a moment of great honour for us, as we participate in this essential democratic undertaking,” remarked H.E. Danny Faure. 

“Furthermore, it is particularly noteworthy as this marks the first occasion where a Commonwealth Observer Group monitors an election in the Maldives since the country’s reintegration into the Commonwealth in February 2020.”

With 282,395 eligible voters participating in this year’s presidential election, Chairperson H.E. Danny Faure was keen to stress the impartial role of the observers, stating, “Our mandate is to observe, not to interfere with the electoral process.” 

He further elaborated that the Commonwealth observers would assess various aspects, including the pre-election environment, polling day proceedings, and the post-election period, providing a comprehensive account of their observations.

The members of the Commonwealth Observer Group arrived in the Maldives on 2 September and will continue their mission until 15 September. 

Over the next four days, they will engage in a series of briefings with a diverse range of stakeholders, including election management officials, political party representatives, civil society organisations, the police, members of the diplomatic community, as well as local and international observers.

H.E. Danny Faure articulated the Group’s overarching objective, stating, “Our assessment will encompass the entirety of the electoral process, and our report will determine whether it has been conducted in accordance with the national, Commonwealth, and other international standards to which the Maldives has committed itself.”

The final report compiled by the Commonwealth Observer Group will be submitted to key entities, including the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, the Government of the Republic of the Maldives, the Elections Commission of the Maldives, political parties involved, and Commonwealth member governments. 

Ultimately, this report will also be made accessible to the public, ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process.