UN chief concerned over suspension of run-off in Maldives

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed grave concern today over the Maldivian Supreme Court's decision to suspend the run-off for the presidential elections and called on the state institutions to conclude the process without any more delay.
Ban is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to provide support of the United Nations for democratic progress, a statement issued by his spokesperson said here.
The UN Chief congratulated the people of the Maldives on the "peaceful and transparent" balloting on November 9 overcoming "many obstacles and delays".
"He urgently calls on all political actors and state institutions to show restraint, to respect the legitimate will of the people expressed in the election on November 9, and to conclude the presidential election process without further delay in the best interest of the Maldivian people," the statement said.

Ban noted that the participation in the election was very high, with voter turnout exceeding 80 per cent. He commended the Elections Commission for administering the process professionally and credibly. He said the will of the citizens must be respected.
The presidential run-off was due to take place today but the Supreme Court delayed it till next Saturday in a pre-dawn ruling.
In yesterday's crucial re-vote, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chief Mohammed Nasheed emerged a winner but failed to clinch 50 per cent of the votes to avoid a run-off. The 46-year-old former president bagged 46.4 per cent of the votes.