03/10/2023 (Agence Europe) – The European Union welcomes the victory of Mohamed Muizzu as President of the Maldives, in a statement issued by the European External Action Service (EEAS) on Monday 2 October. The Republic of Maldives held two rounds of presidential elections on 9 and 30 September. Following an invitation from the government, the EU deployed an election observation mission led by MEP Nacho Sánchez Amor (S&D, Spanish). According to initial findings, “fundamental freedoms were generally respected and voters were able to cast their ballots in an orderly fashion”. However, the press release states that equity must be improved, the campaign financing framework better regulated and that measures are needed to promote women’s participation in national politics. The mission will publish a comprehensive final report including recommendations for improving future electoral processes. (PLD)