UN chief hails conclusion of Maldives poll process

The UN chief today welcomed the conclusion of the poll process in the Maldives to elect a President and called on the new government to engage with the opposition in a constructive manner.
"Once again, the people of the Maldives have turned out to vote in impressive numbers, showing their determination to choose their next president, despite the many obstacles and delays," a statement issued by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's spokesperson said.
Abdulla Yameen was yesterday sworn in as the 6th President of the Maldives after a shock run-off victory over favourite Mohammed Nasheed, ending nearly two years of political turmoil that plagued the nascent democracy.

Yameen is the half-brother of former autocratic ruler Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
His swearing in brought to a close, the process, that began with the first vote on September 7, which was later annulled by the Supreme Court amid allegations of electoral fraud.
A re-vote planned for October 19 was further delayed, before finally being held on November 9 followed by a run-off on November 16.
Noting the preliminary assessment by election observers that the run-off poll was administered in a "transparent and professional" manner, Ban said the close contest highlighted the need for the new administration to engage the opposition in a constructive manner and "to lead the country in the interest of all Maldivians".

The UN Secretary-General strongly urged all political leaders, state institutions and the Maldivian people to work urgently toward genuine reconciliation and to advance the country's democratic process through long-term institutional reforms, in particular strengthening the judiciary, accountability mechanisms and promoting a national dialogue.