Outgoing president raises concerns over Maldives vote
COLOMBO (AFP) – Outgoing Maldivian President Mohamed Waheed raised concerns Sunday about the first round of the polls in which he suffered a humiliating defeat, while calling for "peace and harmony" before the final vote.
Waheed received just 5.13 percent of the vote in the first round on September 7, while ex-leader Mohamed Nasheed took the top spot with 45.45 percent.
Nasheed, however, fell short of the majority mark and now faces a tricky run-off against his nearest rival Abdullah Yameen, who garnered 25.35 percent.
"I am very concerned that there are some very serious allegations regarding the election," Waheed said in a statement.
He did not elaborate but said it was "of utmost importance to resolve these issues by the respective constitutional mechanisms, and ascertain justice".
"I appeal to all Maldivian citizens to maintain the same peace and harmony in the second round of voting as well," he added.
The first round passed off without violence and the independent Elections Commission said 88 percent of the electorate turned out to vote in what was only the second presidential election since a new constitution was adopted in 2008.
The commission said the vote was monitored by nearly 4,000 independent observers. There have been no major complaints of fraud or rigging.
Waheed has said he was planning to back 54-year-old Yameen, half-brother of former strongman president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, in the September 28 run-off.
Waheed became the president in February last year after Nasheed, the country's first elected president, resigned claiming a "coup" backed by the military.
Nasheed also accused Waheed of involvement in a conspiracy with former dictator Gayoom to topple his government.
Waheed denies the charges, but the contested change in leadership blemished what was a flourishing democracy in South Asia and has left a legacy of bitterness and distrust.
Outgoing president raises concerns over Maldives vote | Fox News
India hopes 2nd round of Maldives vote will be peaceful, fair
New Delhi: India on Monday asked Maldives and its people to ensure an environment conducive to a peaceful and transparent second round of Presidential election on September 28 while congratulating them for successful conclusion of the first round.
Reiterating its resolve to strengthen institutions of democracy in Maldives, India said the high turnout was indicative of commitment of Maldivians towards consolidation of democracy there.
It also expressed the conviction that the candidates would accept the verdict of the people and work together for a peaceful transition.
"We congratulate the people of Maldives for the peaceful conclusion of the first round of Presidential elections held on September 7, 2013. The exceptionally high turnout of 88.44 per cent was indicative of the high commitment attached by the people of Maldives towards a consolidation of democracy in the country," the spokesperson in External Affairs Ministry said.
He also said the high-level delegation of Indian observers had noted that polling was "orderly and unblemished by any notable incident".
The six teams of Indian observers covered 158 polling booths (33.6 per cent of total booths) across the country.
"They appreciated the competence, industry and cheerfulness of the election staff, mutual trust between the candidates, representatives and counting personnel and above all the discipline, patience and dignity of the Maldivian voters," he added.
The second round will take place between Former President Mohammmed Nasheed and Progressive Party of Maldives candidate Abdulla Yameen.
The run-off between top two candidates became necessary as none of the candidates managed to secure the crucial 50 per cent votes in the first round held on Saturday.
While Maldivian Democratic Party leader and former Nasheed managed little over 45 per cent votes, Progressive Party of Maldives candidate and ex-president Abdul Gayoom's brother Yameen secured just 25 per cent of over two lakh votes polled.
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