Brussels, 25/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 24 September, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton called on the authorities of the Maldives to ensure that the second round of presidential elections takes place “without delay and in accordance with the constitution of the Maldives”. The Supreme Court of the Maldives has issued a temporary injunction ordering the postponement of the second round of the presidential elections, which had been set for 28 September. The postponement is due to allegations of infringement or irregularity at the first round on 7 September, and to an appeal by a candidate. However, “the international community recognised the outcome of the first round as inclusive and credible, and considered that it reflected the will of the Maldivian people”, Ashton stated in a press release.
Ashton urged all Maldivians to work together “to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process and ensure that the second round takes place in the same impartial and effective spirit as the first”.
Mohamed Nasheed garnered 45% of the vote in the first round, ahead of Abdullah Yameen. (CG/transl.fl)