India hopes Maldives' second round poll to be peaceful

India Wednesday expressed hope the Maldives would hold second round of presidential election as scheduled Sep 28 in a "transparent, organised and peaceful manner".

India added it was important to respect the Sep 7 first round verdict.

An external affairs ministry spokesperson, in a statement, said: "India believes it is of utmost importance the electoral process is allowed to proceed unhindered so the second round is conducted according to schedule and the will of the people of Maldives is fully recognised."

The statement comes in the wake of the Maldives Supreme Court admitting the plea of Jumhooree Party (JP) whose candidate Gasim Ibrahim missed the second round by a whisker. The party has alleged irregularities in the voters' list and requested the apex court to annul first round of elections.

The spokesperson said India "commends the people and government of Maldives for successfully conducting the first round of presidential elections in a peaceful and organised manner".

He said the "exceptionally high turnout of voters as well as smooth conduct of elections in an orderly fashion unblemished by any notable incident demonstrated the high commitment reposed by the people of Maldives in democratic process and in consolidation of democracy in the country. The high-level delegation of Indian observers as well as international observers from the UN and Commonwealth have all noted that polling was fair, transparent and orderly".

He added, "It is important that all sides respect the verdict and aspirations of the people of Maldives."

"As a long-standing friend of Maldives committed to strengthening the institutions of democracy in the country, India believes it is of utmost importance the electoral process is allowed to proceed unhindered so the second round is conducted according to schedule and the will of the people of Maldives is fully recognised," he said.

The first round of election saw former president Mohamed Nasheed winning with overwhelming majority of over 45 per cent, but missing the crucial half-way mark.

With no candidate managing over 50 percent votes, a second round is to be held in which Nasheed would face the brother of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Abdulla Yameen who finished runner-up.