Stop irresponsible statements on prez polls issue: Waheed

Maldives President Mohamed Waheed today asked the international community to refrain from making "irresponsible" statements on the ongoing presidential polls case, even as watchdog Transparency Maldives sought a quick resolution of current issues to ease rising tensions.
In a statement issued here, Waheed said "irresponsible" statements by foreign governments and international organisations would not be helpful in consolidating democracy in the country.
"I therefore call on the foreign governments, the UN, and the Commonwealth to show responsibility and to refrain from issuing statements commenting on, and speculating about, the on-going court case," he said.
Waheed's remarks came after the Supreme Court directive to postpone second round of polls scheduled for September 28, sparking concerns from the international community, including India, the UK, the US, the UN and the Commonwealth.

These countries and organisations have endorsed the first round of presidential polls held on September 7, which saw former President Mohammed Nasheed win with overwhelming majority, and appealed the Maldives to ensure second round takes place as soon as possible.
Reacting to the international concern, Waheed today said, "Local and international observers did a commendable job in observing the elections. Yet, they do not decide on the cases filed by one or more candidates in an election. It is never done anywhere in the world."

Waheed also said a case pertaining to the first round of the presidential elections was being deliberated at the Supreme Court and it should be taken in its proper context.

Meanwhile, the independent observer for the presidential polls there, Transparency Maldives today issued a statement seeking expeditious resolution of current issues resulting out of postponement of second round of polls to ease rising tensions in the election environment.
"Failure to address alleged integrity issues of the Supreme Court have created avenues for political and other actors to question the conduct, injunctions and verdicts of the Supreme Court.
"Expeditious resolution of such allegations and issues is imperative to ease rising tensions in the election environment and prevent the derailment of democratic processes," Transparency Maldives said.