MALE, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Maldivian Elections Commission on Friday said the first round of presidential elections would be held early September and preparations for the polls had already begun.
The President's Office in a statement said it welcomed the announcement and encouraged all relevant stakeholders to offer the Elections Commission their full, unreserved support for the conduct of their work.
"It is noted in the statement that free, fair and credible elections are the foundation of our democracy and that it is essential for continuity of our nation's growth, stability and prosperity," the President's Office said.
"The Government of the Maldives extends its invitation to all international stakeholders to observe the electoral process; and at the same time urges the international community to provide support and assistance in bringing back normalcy in the Maldives, and requests the international community to refrain from any actions that could hinder resolving the situation the country is facing," the President's Office added.
The statement further said that the government recommends all political parties and politicians alike to work towards, making the upcoming elections free and fair, rather than engage in a battle to topple the government and to destabilize the nation.
The Maldivian parliament on Tuesday approved extending the state of emergency in the country by 30 days following a request by President Abdulla Yameen.
The President's Office in a statement said the president had requested for an extension as the threat to national security had not diminished following the Supreme Court ruling on Feb. 1 ordering the release of detained opposition leaders, including self-exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed.
President Yameen declared a 15-day state of emergency on Feb. 5 after the Supreme Court ruling, which was, however, rescinded shortly after the declaration of the state of emergency.
