MDP, PPM willing to face runoff despite grievances

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has stated that they have accepted the election results and are willing to continue to the second round of voting, despite their objections against the Elections Commission.

Having gained 45 percent (95,224 votes) in the first round of the presidential election last Saturday, MDP candidate and former president Mohamed Nasheed is set to compete with PPM Abdullah Yameen in the run off. Yameen ended up in second place with 25.35 percent (53,099 votes).

Ibrahim Muaz Ali, official spokesperson for PPM candidate Abdulla Yameen said that they have continuously raised concerns about the elections. However, Muaz said that PPM has accepted the first round election results, and have already started campaigns for the runoff.

“We had our complaints, but we don’t want the result to bring unrest. Along with the results, we are campaigning for the second round,” Muaz said.

He said that PPM will not take part in unrest over grievances for the results, instigated by any party.

MDP spokesperson Imthiyaz Fahmy also said that they have been continuously submitting their concerns to the Elections Commission. However, Imthiyaz said that the Saturday polls was the most fair election conducted in the Maldives so far. He said that MDP fully accepts the results.

Criticizing Jumhoory Party (JP), who ended up close behind PPM with 24.07 percent (50,422 votes), the MDP spokesperson said that JP's intends to create unrest by contesting the results. It is an attempt by the people around the business tycoon and JP candidate Gasim Ibrahim to cajole him to spend for his campaign and exhaust his funds, Imthiyaz said.

JP has filed a case in court asking for an order upon the Elections Commission to provide certain documents used in the elections.

The Commonwealth Observer Group, who arrived on the 31st and observed the opening, voting, closing and counting of ballots from 14 different atolls has stated that that election was fair and transparent, and that procedures were followed consistently.