Elections the 'best course' for Maldives: PM

Amid the political crisis in Maldives, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said elections are the "best course" for the country and hoped its people and government will overcome this atmosphere of "uncertainty".
He expressed confidence that the elections in September would be "free and fair" in which everyone could participate - an apparent reference to former President Mohammed Nasheed.
"In Maldives, there have been unfortunate problems after the February 2012 events. We sincerely hope that the best course is to have elections for the office of the President which is due in September 2013.
"There should be free and fair elections and (it) will be an inclusive process with all political parties participating in the process of electing the new President," he said while replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that the "people and Government of Maldives will overcome this atmosphere of crisis and uncertainty."
On Wednesday, Singh had expressed concern over the political instability in Maldives and said India would support free and fair elections in the Island nation.
Singh had said India wants all stakeholders in the island nation to resolve the issues "through dialogue".
Maldives has been witnessing political turmoil as former President Mohammed Nasheed was arrested less than a fortnight after he left the Indian High Commission in Male where he was holed up for 11 days to evade arrest in a case concerning the detention of the Chief Criminal Judge during his Presidency. He was arrested on Tuesday and released the next day.