India for free and fair polls, smooth transition in Maldives

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today hoped for free and fair polls in Maldives while emphasising the need to ensure understanding among all on the outcome of the elections and that there are no reprisals.
This was conveyed by Singh when a six-member Maldivian delegation led by Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Leader of the Parliamentary Group of the Progress Party of Maldives and also its presidential candidate, met him here.
The meeting was held in the context of ongoing Indian engagement with all Maldivian stake holders, official sources said here.
They said the Prime Minister mentioned that India was engaged with various Maldivian political parties.

"He hoped for free and fair elections in September and expressed the desire that there will be a smooth transition. He also emphasised on the need to ensure understanding among all that outcome of the elections is recognised by all and there are no reprisals," they added.
The meeting comes barely days after the visit of former Maldivian President Mohamad Nasheed, who also met Singh. Nasheed, who resigned last year, had blamed "powerful networks" of former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom loyalists for his ouster.

On his part, Yameen Abdul Gayoom agreed with the Prime Minister's and expressed his thanks for the traditional Indian support for Maldives. He expressed the desire that these unique bonds should continue to grow and prosper.

The Maldivian leader also invited Indian investment to contribute to Maldives' growth, assuring that he would assist in creating a conducive atmosphere.
He also thanked the Prime Minister that India was always there when Maldives needed.
Other members of the delegation were Dunya Maumoon, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Adheeb Abdul Gafoor, Vice President of PPM, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Moosa Zameer, Member of Parliament, Council Member, Campaign Manager, Abdulla Maseeh, Member of Parliament, Council Member, Ahmed Faris Maumoon, Council Member and Mohamed Ghassaan Maumoon, Minister of State for Human Resource, Youth & Sports, Council Member.