Ahead of fresh presidential polls on Saturday, India today told all political parties in the Maldives to ensure free and credible elections which should be followed by smooth transfer of power and reconciliation.
India's sentiment was conveyed by Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh who rushed to Maldives yesterday and returned home tonight.
"Singh reiterated India's call for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections in a peaceful environment fulfilling the democratic aspirations of the people of Maldives," a statement issued by the Indian High Commission here said.
"She expressed the hope and expectation that the electoral process would proceed as scheduled with the first round to be held on October 19, and if required, the second round before November 3 so that a new President is sworn in on November 11 as stipulated by the constitution of Maldives," the statement said.
Singh met leaders across the political spectrum, including President Mohamed Waheed, Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim and presidential candidates - Mohamed Nasheed and Gasim Ibrahim.
She urged the leaders to accept the results of elections to enable a smooth transfer of power and reconciliation post-elections.
During her meetings, she reaffirmed India's commitment and friendship to the people of Maldives.
"She conveyed that as a close-friend and a strategic partner of Maldives, India has always supported the efforts for a peaceful, prosperous and stable Maldives and the strengthening of its democratic process and institutions," the statement said.
Singh's visit assumes significance as India is keen to avert a repeat of the situation last month when the elections were annulled by the Supreme Court and fresh polls ordered.
In that balloting, Nasheed had got 45.45 per cent votes.
However, a candidate needs to cross the 50 per cent mark for the poll process to be complete.
If this does not happen, the country will see a run-off between the two leading contenders and the process has to be completed by November 11.
This has got into controversy as Qasim Ibrahim, who emerged third in last month's elections, has opposed the run-off. He has approached the court, claiming that last month's electoral exercise was not fair.
After last month's episode, India had expressed the hope that the second round of presidential elections will be held in a similar transparent, organised and peaceful manner.
