Quote from former UNSG Kofi Annan

The Executive and the Parliament have faced off on avoidable issues; political parties have opposed each other and blocked key legislation as a matter of principle, even if there is no substantive disagreement.  The judiciary, already in desperate need of strengthening, has faltered, and been disrupted by political pressure (including the recent demonstrations), inflicting lasting damage on its independence and reputation.  Equally, the constitution and separation of powers have come under tremendous strain.

Debate, dialogue and exchange of ideas are key features of a democratic society.  It should be fostered and should serve to bring about multiple options from which to make the best and intelligent choices.  Dialogue, I believe, is the only direction and means to move forward in the light of the political instability in the Maldives. It is the only way that the fruits of this hard-won democracy can be savoured by the people of the country.

As the former UN Secretary-General had advised on similar conflicts among parties:

“What matters is that the strong, as well as the weak, agree to be bound by the same rules, to treat each other with the same respect.

What matters is that all peoples accept the need to listen; to compromise; to take each other's views into account.

What matters is that they come together, not at cross purposes but with a common purpose: a common purpose - to shape their common destiny.”

Under a democracy, these should guide every leader and every politician in the Maldives.

In the coming months, the country will again make history with the holding of its first-ever local elections – another mechanism for democratization. As in the past political exercises and if the Government so requests, the UN will be assisting in ensuring that the elections are conducted in a free, fair and  transparent manner.  In addition to this crucial event, the UN is committed to support the establishment of an enabling environment for effective decentralization aimed at making services and political power more accessible, accountable, and transparent to the people. We will engage not only with the government but also with civil society, including community-based organizations, so that they too will be active contributors to this crucial democratization process.

This week, the UN, together with the Minister of Finance, will be meeting with the international donor community to present the United Nations Development Assistance Framework. We hope to engage them as partners in the decentralization efforts and other key areas where assistance is most needed by the Maldives. Strengthening international development partnerships is, as mentioned, one of the major strategies of the UN system.