India calls to address current situation in order to resume electoral process

Following the order by the Supreme Court to delay the second round of the presidential election, India has called on Maldives to address the current situation at the earliest so that the electoral process can be resumed.

This came in a statement, ‘Official Spokesperson’s response to queries regarding recent developments related to presidential elections in Maldives’, published on the website of the Ministry of External Affairs of India today.

The Official Spokesperson said that the first round of presidential elections was held on 7 September 2013 in a transparent, organised and peaceful manner; and this was acknowledged by domestic and international observers, including those from India.

“We, therefore, call upon all concerned in the Maldives to address the current situation at the earliest so that the electoral process could be resumed in a manner that respects the will of the Maldivian people. In this context, it is important that the second round of the Presidential elections is held as scheduled and the candidate elected by the people of Maldives assumes the Presidency on 11th November 2013 as mandated by the Constitution.”