A United Nations (UN) delegation is on a visit to the crisis-hit Maldives amid international concerns over the possibility of free and fair presidential elections in the archipelago.
During the three day follow up visit, the delegation would with the government, political parties, and civil society representatives as the country gears up to hold the crunch elections in September.
The island nation has been embroiled in fresh political turmoil after the Supreme Court on February 1 ordered the immediate release of jailed political leaders including self-exiled former president Mohamed Nasheed.
President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on February 5 had declared state of emergency after his last ditch attempt to convince the top court to revoke the order failed, purged the Supreme Court by arresting two judges and the remaining political leaders and ultimately had the order revoked.
Maldives government has been facing mounting international pressure especially from the US and the West over the contentious jailing of opposition leaders and the restrictions on fundamental rights and liberties.
EU had recently cast doubts over the possibility of holding free and fair presidential elections in the Maldives which has been slated for September 23.
The archipelago's international partners including India, US and the EU have cast doubts over the possibility of holding free and fair presidential elections in the Maldives which has been slated for September 23.
