EC slows election preparations following Supreme Court injunction

Elections Commission today stated that they have slowed down preparations for the second round of the presidential election following the Supreme Court order to postpone the election.

The Supreme Court injunction on Monday ordered the Elections Commission and other relevant authorities to postpone the second round of polls until the court decides on the case brought before the court by Jumhoory Party, alleging that there were irregularities in the first round of polls, and asking the court to annul the first round results.

The second round of the election was scheduled for Saturday, 28th September.

International news agencies reported that the Elections Commission has confirmed that it had slowed down all preparations for Saturday's vote. Details were not stated.

US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki has urged "all political parties to work together peacefully and ensure that the democratic process can continue in a way that respects the rule of law and that represents the will of the Maldivian people".

The Supreme Court has heard witnesses presented by Jumhoory Party, providing statements of alleged irregularities. The next hearing is tabled for today.

Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) presidential candidate, former president Mohamed Nasheed who won 45 percent of the first round of polls, has called on the Elections Commission to ignore the Supreme Court injunction and hold the second round polls as previously scheduled.