MALE, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Maldives government on Wednesday said that the presidential election will go ahead as scheduled on September 23 and campaigning for the election was progressing smoothly in a peaceful environment.

The foreign ministry, in a statement, said the government had noted with concern the doubts and queries raised by certain international partners on whether the election would be held as announced.

The ministry said the government has been working closely with the election commission and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the election is held in a free, fair and credible manner.

The ministry further said the election commission of the Maldives had extended invitations to several international stakeholders including some key bilateral and multilateral development partners of the Maldives, to observe the election.

"As genuine friends and partners of the Maldives, it is important for the international community to extend their full support and cooperation to the unrelenting efforts of the government and the people of the Maldives in this endeavor," it added.