There are always losers in every election: Sir Donald McKinnon

In a statement issued today regarding Maldives presidential election 2013, Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, Sir Donald McKinnon, has said that the people of Maldives must be the winners of this election.

“There are always losers in every election everywhere, but the winners here must be the people of Maldives. The results of their votes must be paramount to the process and the result,” said Sir Donald.

He also called on all political leaders to respect the intentions and expectations laid out in the constitution.

He said that the 88 percent voter turnout displays Maldivians’ determination to get the country back on to a sound democratic foundation.

“I was very pleased by the positive findings of the national and international observers, including those of the Commonwealth Observer Group.”

He further said that international opinion is firmly behind the need for the second round of the elections to proceed as planned on 28 September.