EU Election Mission Urges Maldives to Implement Electoral Reform Recommendations

The European Union’s Election Follow-Up Mission (EU EFM) has expressed concern that most of its recommendations for electoral reform in the Maldives have yet to be implemented, halfway through the current electoral cycle.

EU EFM Chief Sánchez Amor, speaking at a roundtable with electoral stakeholders on Monday, said, according to a press release, that despite broad legislative changes in the country, the mission’s suggested reforms have “barely been addressed.” He emphasised that fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and assembly, must be safeguarded during legal reforms.

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The EU EFM made 20 recommendations in 2023 to improve the Maldives’ electoral system, covering the legal framework, election administration, political party and campaign finance, media and social media, and participation of women, persons with disabilities, and youth. Ten of the recommendations require legal amendments, with seven identified as priorities.

“While only one of the recommendations has been implemented in full, it is positive to note there are institutional initiatives which could represent progress in the advancement of political participation. Civic education should be continued, engaging younger generations, and affirmative action measures should be considered to ensure women’s nomination to leadership positions, including independent bodies like the Elections Commission,” he said at a press conference, the press release noted.

He added that with three years remaining before the next presidential election, implementing the EU EFM’s recommendations, particularly the priority items, would significantly strengthen transparency, accountability, and inclusive participation in the electoral process.