HRCM begins it’s workshop on ‘Right to vote-Training on elections observation’

News | 13 August 2008

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives in collaboration with Commonwealth has today commenced a three day workshop on ‘The right to vote- Elections observation’.

As the right to vote is one of the most fundamental rights ensured under a democracy, the role of HRCM in the upcoming elections is to ensure an environment that embraces human rights in the electoral laws and regulations. Hence the purpose of this workshop is to provide the staff of HRCM with the necessary training and build their capacity in the work of ensuring an enabling environment for a free and fair elections.

In his remarks addressing the gathering at the opening session of the training, the President of the Commission Mr. Ahmed Saleem, stated that the role of NGO’s in the process of elections observation is very crucial and that it is very encouraging that several such organizations have taken the initiative to observe the presidential elections.

He also said that it is very important that all parties engaging themselves in this purpose be thorough with international elections monitoring standards and along with the constitutional rights as well as increase their capacity regarding matters involving the administration of the country. Along with the HRCM staff, ten NGO’s workings in this field, are taking part in this training that will be held on 13, 14 and 16 August 2008.

This workshop is conducted by Commonwealth consultants and experts in this field, Dr. David Ward and Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu.

A public forum open to all individual’s interested, initiated by HRCM is also scheduled to take place at Ghiyaasudheen School Hall on 15 August 2008, from 16:30 to 17:30pm where a question and answer session would be followed by a lecture.