Urged Maldives to return to path of democracy before elections: MEA
New Delhi, Jul 5 (IBNS): In the backdrop of tensions between the two countries, India has urged Maldives to return to the path of democracy before the conduction of elections in the country.
A statement, which has been issued by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), read, "We have been closely following the evolving situation in the Maldives. The announcement of elections in the Maldives at a time when the democratic institutions including the Majlis and the judiciary are not allowed to function in a free and transparent manner is indeed a matter of concern.
"We have urged the Government of Maldives to return to the path of democracy and ensure credible restoration of the political process and the rule of law, before the elections are conducted. It is important that a conducive atmosphere is created for holding free and fair elections in the Maldives."
Earlier this month, India had expressed its strong disappointment over the functioning of democracy in Maldives, condemning the imprisonment of the former president and Chief Justice of Supreme Court, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, for long periods in jail.
Gayoom was sentenced for 19 months for obstruction of justice.
The opposition leaders in the Maldives, where a state of emergency was earlier imposed by President Abdulla Yameen in February triggering a political crisis, had sought Indian intervention as a regional power to restore democracy and civil rights.
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