Celebrating 25 Years of Scoop
UN Chief Calls for Peaceful Elections in Maldives
UN Chief Calls for Peaceful Elections in Maldives
New York, Sep 4 2013 - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on the people of the Maldives to ensure that the presidential elections, set for Saturday, are conducted peacefully.
In a statement issued last night, Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said the Secretary-General “encourages all presidential candidates to respect the election results no matter who wins, and asks that all stakeholders overcome their past differences.”
Multi-party presidential elections were held in the Maldives for the first time in 2008, ending 30 years of one-party rule. Mohamed Nasheed, who was elected in those polls, resigned in February 2012 in contested circumstances, and was succeeded by his former deputy, Mohammed Waheed Hassan.
The Government set up a National Commission of Inquiry to probe the events leading to the regime change, with the Commission presenting its findings last August. The upcoming elections are seen as an important step in the democratic transition of the country.
Mr. Ban urged Maldivians to “work together in a constructive manner toward national harmony and democratic consolidation.” In particular, he highlighted the need for renewed commitment to the institutional reform process.
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
ENDS
ITUC: Workers Fundamental Right To Organise Is Crucial In Combating Heat Stress
New Zealand Defence Force: NZ Army Instructors March Out With Fijian Recruits For The First Time
FAO: Urges Immediate Action As New Variants Of Avian Influenza Threaten Asia And The Pacific
Alternative Jewish Voices: Jewish Groups Call On Israeli Govt To Respect International Court Ruling & Withdraw From Occupied Palestinian Territory
The Commonwealth: Commonwealth Secretary-General To Make First Official Visit To Pakistan
Deep Sea Mining Campaign: Civil Society Groups File A Formal Complaint Against The Metals Company