First Brexit, now this. Is there hope for secession (USA)?
"Regrettably, the Commonwealth has not recognised progress and achievements that the Maldives accomplished in cultivating a culture of democracy in the country and in building and strengthening democratic institutions," the Maldives Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group and…secretariat seem to be convinced that the Maldives, because of the high and favourable reputation that the country enjoys internationally, and also perhaps because it is a small state that lacks material power, would be an easy object that can be used."
Note: this is the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. Not the Malvinas as confused by various politicians when trying to hector those who call the latter the Falklands.
Zimbabwe terminated their membership in 2003 and The Gambia missed Glasgow 2014 (Commonwealth Games) after announcing in October 2013 they were leaving.
The media spin is that there are rights abuses and despotism.