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Statement on the Maldives by Richard Corbett (Member of the European Parliament)

Statement on the Maldives by Richard Corbett MEP 1st June 2004

I call for the safe return of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) members to the Maldives in order for them to contest the parliamentary elections in September 2004. It is important that the people of Maldives are allowed to exercise their democratic rights and elect the representatives they wish in free and fair elections. Given that political parties are not officially recognized, it is all the more important that a range of political positions can be expressed and allowed to campaign and contest the elections. In this way the people of Maldives will be free to decide whom to elect. The principle of democracy is fundamental. All countries should enjoy free and fair elections. I hope that the upcoming elections in the Maldives will unequivocally place this country in the democratic camp.

Richard Corbett
Labour Member of the European Parliament for Yorkshire and the Humber