Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the presidential elections in the Republic of the Maldives on 28 October 2008
The European Union welcomes the successful completion of the first multi-candidate presidential elections in the Republic of Maldives. It congratulates Mr Mohamed Nasheed on his election and pays tribute to outgoing President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom for his important contribution to the democratic reform process as well as to the people of the Maldives for their commitment to the holding of democratic, multi-party elections.
The elections were conducted transparently and in a peaceful atmosphere. After the first round of the elections on 8 October, the Election Commission and other state authorities did their utmost to ensure that the second round on 28 October was as inclusive as possible.
The EU is very encouraged that the transfer of presidential authority has begun in a smooth manner. The constructive manner in which the outgoing President and President-elect have already conducted a public dialogue on these issues is especially laudable.
The EU hopes that the technical problems encountered during the presidential elections can be addressed prior to the legislative elections due to be held in February 2009.
The EU reiterates its support for the people of the Maldives in their efforts to complete the establishment of fully democratic state institutions. It stands ready to continue providing advice and assistance to the election authorities and to support other initiatives in the ongoing democratic transition.
The Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia align themselves with this declaration.
* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.