Maldives presidential run-off should be held as scheduled: India

As the Maldives Supreme Court postponed the country's presidential runoff election indefinitely, India said Tuesday that it is important that the second round of the presidential elections is held as scheduled.

In a statement, the ministry of external affairs spokesperson said it is also important that the candidate elected by the people of Maldives assumes the presidency on Nov 11, 2013 "as mandated by the Constitution".

"We have seen recent reports that the Supreme Court of Maldives has postponed the second round of presidential elections scheduled to be held on Sep 28, 2013. This development has resulted in uncertainty concerning the second round, which may have an impact on peace, stability and security in the country," the statement said.

"We, therefore, call upon all concerned in the Maldives to address the current situation at the earliest so that the electoral process could be resumed in a manner that respects the will of the Maldivian people.

"In this context, it is important that the second round of the Presidential elections is held as scheduled and the candidate elected by the people of Maldives assumes the Presidency on 11th November 2013 as mandated by the Constitution."

In its ruling, the Maldives Supreme Court ordered the government to postpone the elections until the court "decides in the case before it".

The Jumhooree Party candidate Gasim Ibrahim filed a case last week, seeking an annulment of the first round result, alleging the voter's registry contained the names of dead or imaginary people.

In the Sep 7 vote, no clear winner emerged and Ibrahim finished third, narrowly missing a place in the runoff.

Mohamed Nasheed, the country's first democratically elected president, won more than 45 percent of the vote. But he fell short of achieving the 51 percent majority needed for the outright victory, necessitating the second round ballot.

Nasheed was to face Abdulla Yameen, the half-brother of former Maldives president Mamoon Abdul Gayoom, who was placed second with 25.7 percent votes, marginally ahead of business tycoon Ibrahim, who received 24.1 percent of the votes.

After the apex court decision, members of Nasheed's Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) held street demonstrations demanding that the run off election be held as scheduled.

The spokesperson said that India has "consistently conveyed its support for the democratic process in Maldives".

He said the Sep 7 first round was held in a "transparent, organised and peaceful manner. This was acknowledged by domestic and international observers, including those from India".

The Election Commission in Maldives said it has stopped all preparations for the second round of the presidential poll following the Supreme Court decision.