Q. 1441 Indian role in election in Maldives

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to satate :-

(a) the diplomatic and logistical role that India is expected to play in the impending election of Maldives considering the ongoing tussle between the current and previous President of the latter;
(b) whether the Indian Government had asked for a reassurance from the Maldives Government that Mr. Mohamed Nasheed be allowed to participate in the said elections;
(c) if so, the details thereof, including the Maldives’ Government’s response; and
(d) the current status of Mr. Nasheed’s participation and the steps being taken by the Indian Government?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMED)

(a) to (d) India has traditional and age old ties of friendship and cooperation with Maldives. Since the introduction of multiparty democracy in Maldives, India has maintained broad based contacts with all political parties and democratic institutions in Maldives.

As a close and friendly neighbour, India has conveyed that it would support all efforts to create favourable conditions for free, fair, credible and inclusive Presidential elections in September 2013 that can contribute to durable peace, stability and prosperity in Maldives and the region.

Presidential elections in Maldives are scheduled to be held on September 7, 2013. The Elections Commissions of Maldives has accepted the nomination of all the four Presidential candidates - namely, President Mohamed Waheed; former President Mohamed Nasheed; Abdullah Yameen; and Gasim Ibrahim.

India continues to work closely with the Government and other relevant stakeholders in Maldives to strengthen the democratic framework of the country.

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