Will work to ensure that presidential election is free and fair: President

President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that the Government will make all efforts in its capacity to ensure that this year’s presidential election is held in a free and fair manner.

In his presidential address during the parliament inauguration ceremony yesterday, the President said that efforts will be made to ensure that all political parties can participate in this year’s presidential election, and to guarantee that it free and fair.

“I would like to assure the hounourable Members that the Government will put every effort to see that the Maldives presidential election this year is a free, fair, and open to all political party participation, and is held according to the constitution and laws of the State,” said the President.

President Waheed, who has decided to compete in this year’s presidential race, said that the government will not influence an election and will not act in manner that might hinder the right to free and fair elections.

He also said that the government will cooperate with the Elections Commission to clear any obstacles that might oppose free and fair elections.

“I also give assurance that the Government will not influence an election, and will not do anything that might hinder electoral rights. The Government continues cooperate with the Elections Commission and provide any assistance they might require. If there are any obstacles to holding the election, the government will provide whatever cooperation necessary to the Elections Commission to remove such an obstacle,” said the President.

The President also called upon all political parties and the country’s media to work towards maintaining order and stability in the country during the run up to the elections.

Some leaders have announced their decision to compete in the presidential election scheduled to be held in September this month, and have already initiated their campaigns.