Defending its decision to extend the state of emergency, the Maldives government claimed that the 'threat posed to national security' was reason for extension. On Tuesday, the country's parliament extended the ongoing state of emergency by another month.
New Delhi has expressed its views that it is against the imposition of emergency in Maldives and has repeatedly appealed to bring back democracy in the island nation.
In a statement issued by the president's office, the government stated that request for extension was warranted and was based on the advise of the National Security Council. Threats posed to national security following the Supreme Court order of February 1, and the ensuing events. It also mentioned the information received by state authorities that include the current investigation into the money trail allegedly used to bribe justices. The statement made due note of the concerns expressed by the international community on the situation.
"The subsequent evidence received in the investigation illustrates the verdict has resulted in; the disruption of the functions of the executive power and the state institutions vested with specific mandates under the Constitution, the infringement of national security and public interest, and would have lead to an undermining of the supremacy of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives," according to the statement from the Maldives president's office.
Government also appealed to the international community to stand with the government and the people of the Maldives, and 'to refrain from any actions that could escalate an already delicate situation and derail the efforts being made to bring back normalcy in the Maldives."
Maldives also assured the global community that decision was taken as a last resort after serious and exhaustive consideration, to ensure national security and constitutional order, to uphold the rule of law and to safeguard the peace and stability of the nation.
"The State of Emergency will be lifted as soon as the threats posed to national security are addressed satisfactorily," statement added.
The government of Maldives also notes that it is ready for dialogue with the opposition, as this is essential to help restore normalcy in the Maldives.
However, the parliament has provided relief by lifting some of the restrictions imposed on Constitutional articles under the state of emergency and by imposing it only upon individuals alleged to have carried out illegal activities and in the places they stayed.
While inviting global community to clarify facts and policies prior to reaching assessments pertaining to serious security issues, complicated constitutional problems and sensitive internal differences, the government also asked its people to refrain from any actions that could escalate an already delicate situation and derail the efforts being made to bring back normalcy in the country.
"The Government reiterates its firm commitment to work closely with the international community to address the concerns that they might have. The Government would also like to use this opportunity to reiterate its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of foreign nationals residing in the country, as well as those visiting the Maldives on vacation," Maldives government statement said.