The mission found that the Maldives has not adequately addressed the authoritarian trends that needed to be transformed before real democracy prevailed in systems of governance, that State and independent institutions had failed to respect the separation of powers and not ensured transparency and efficiency. The mission was unconvinced by the evidence, that former President Mohamed Nasheed’s resignation was voluntary, and that interest driven politics and lack of independence of the media have hindered democratic progress. The Mission’s recommendations included that elections should go ahead as planned in September 2013, Parliament should consider a review of the Constitutional provisions on separation of powers and judicial appointments, oversight and accountability and fundamental rights such as the right to freedom of assembly, and freedom of expression, should be promoted and protected.
The meetings in Maldives provided SAHR an opportunity to extend its work conducted under the Parliament Watch programme, in the country.
The Mission released a press statement which was circulated to all Foreign Ministers of South Asia, the Secretary Generals of the Commonwealth and the SAARC and civil society across South Asia. The Mission report was also disseminated widely.
The full report can be accessed here.