Maldives is an island country located in the Indian Ocean of the south of India’s Lakshwadeep near Sri Lanka.

The elections will be held between 7 and 14 September 2013. Commissioner Mokate together with 16 other delegates are expected to arrive in the Maldives on Saturday, 31 August 2013. The mission is headed by former Prime Minister of Malta Dr Lawrence Gonzi.

The Commonwealth observer mission will be expected to independently conduct elections in line with the International Declaration of Principles, make suggestions on how to strengthen the electoral framework, and submit a 2013 report on the presidential elections to both the Commonwealth and the Maldives.

The mission is further mandated to consider all aspects of the electoral process in the Maldives by ensuring that it is held in compliance with the agreed standards for fair polling. Commissioner Mokate’s group will be joined by other observers from the European Union, and representatives from local groups and institutions.

SAHRC would like to wish Commissioner Mokate best of luck, and a safe trip to the Maldives.

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