The United Nations on Monday commended “the commitment” to democracy in the Indian Ocean republic by voters in the Maldives, after opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih defeated incumbent Abdulla Yameen in Sunday’s presidential elections.
Deciding upon complaints filed by Mohamed Nasheed, the ex-President of Maldives, a United Nations human rights expert committee has called on the Government to restore Mr. Nasheed’s right to stand for public office, including the office of the President.
Denouncing the detention of two Supreme Court judges in the Maldives, United Nations human rights experts warned that the independence of the judiciary is under “serious threat” in the country, as is the principle of separation of powers between the State and the courts.
Following the declaration of a ‘state of emergency’ in the Maldives, after which soldiers forced their way into the Supreme Court, United Nations Secretary-GeneralAntónio Guterres on Tuesday urged the Government to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of the people of the island nation.
