21/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - Catherine Ashton congratulates elected president. On 21 November, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton congratulated Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom - on behalf of the EU - on his victory in the presidential election in the Maldives on 16 November (51.3% of the votes as opposed to 48.6% for Mohamed Nasheed, who was nevertheless the favourite). “Despite repeated delays, the democratic process could finally be brought to a conclusion thanks in large part to the efficiency and professionalism of the elections commission”, Ashton stated. She welcomed the return to constitutional rule and congratulated the Maldivian people on their commitment to democracy. “The EU expects all political parties to put personal and ideological rivalries aside and work together to confront the serious economic and environmental challenges which the country faces”, she added. (CG/transl.fl)