Secretary-General ‘Deeply Concerned’ over Delay in Maldives Ballot,

 

Urges All Concerned Honour Responsibilities

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the delay of the re-run of the 7 September first round presidential election annulled by the Supreme Court, despite concerted efforts by the Maldives Elections Commission.  The Secretary-General calls on all parties to maintain calm and urges political leaders and State institutions to live up to their responsibilities, respect the democratic process and participate in a credible, peaceful and inclusive re-run election as soon as possible, so that a new President can be inaugurated on 11 November in accordance with the Constitution.

The aspirations and the will of the Maldivian people were expressed in the 88 per cent participation of eligible voters in the 7 September election.  The Secretary-General strongly believes that the legitimate will of the people should not be denied.

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