To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the 1 November statement by the International Democrat Union on recent political developments in the Maldives.

The British Government notes the statement of the International Democrat Union, and other statements from the international community on the political situation in Maldives, including the EU High Representative, the Commonwealth's Special Envoy to Maldives, the UN Secretary General and the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group. We monitored with concern the delays to Maldives Presidential elections. We are pleased that the second round of elections was able to take place on 16 November, and that the winner, President Yameen, has now been inaugurated. The UK looks forward to working with the new Maldives government, and to the strengthening of democratic institutions in Maldives.

The Minister of State, my right hon. Friend Mr Swire, visited Maldives on 18 November and met the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dunya Maumoon, to discuss the UK’s continued support for democracy in Maldives. We urge all authorities in Maldives to help to create conditions which are conducive to forthcoming local and parliamentary elections and to refrain from action which would create similar delays. It is now important that the new government and the opposition work together constructively in the interests of all Maldivians and to avoid any acts of recrimination or retribution.