The Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to the Maldives 2023, Mr. Nacho Sánchez Amor, a Spanish Member of the European Parliament, today officially presented the EU EOM for the 2023 Presidential election. Speaking at a press conference in Malé, the Chief Observer said, "This is the second election observation mission that the European Union is sending to the Maldives, and the largest to date, demonstrating the EU's strong commitment to supporting the democratic process and the country's democratic institutions.”

During his six-day visit to the Maldives, the Chief Observer met a wide range of interlocutors, including state authorities, presidential candidates, the media, as well as representatives of civil society.  He also appreciated the country’s cultural and historical heritage. "This election is an opportunity to further consolidate democracy in the country. I hope that all state authorities and political parties will play their part in supporting a credible, inclusive and transparent election process, and will promote respect for human rights”, added Mr. Sanchez Amor.

A group of core team experts arrived in the Maldives on 31 July and long-term observers were deployed on 13 August, in line with the EU's established methodology based on a focus on the entire electoral process.

The mission has been deployed by the EU following an invitation from the Maldives’ authorities. The mission’s mandate is to assess the 2023 Presidential election in line with the Maldives’ legal framework as well as with the international and regional standards and commitments the Maldives has made regarding democratic elections. The EU EOM is bound by a code of conduct, which requires strict neutrality and non-interference. It undertakes its work in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, endorsed under UN auspices in 2005.

In total around 40 EU observers, as well as observers from Norway, Switzerland and Canada, will observe the voting, counting and tabulation of the results on 9 September. The EU EOM will issue a preliminary statement two days after election day and will remain in the Maldives until the conclusion of the electoral process.

For further information, please contact the press office of the EU EOM Maldives 2023.

Marek Mracka, Press Officer, marek.mracka@eueom-maldives2023.eu; (+960) 796 0031

Press release also available in Dhivehi: click here to read it.