Imperative that there are no further delays: William Hague

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague has said that it is imperative that there are no further delays in holding the first round re-run, following the annulment of the first round of presidential election results in the Maldives.

In a statement, Hague noted the Supreme Court’s annulment of the first round of presidential election results, despite the assessment by both international and domestic monitors that proceedings were transparent, fair and credible.

The statement reads: “The Elections Commission have now confirmed that the first round will be re-run on 19 October. It is important now that the democratic process proceeds in accordance with the Constitution. It is imperative that there are no further delays and the elections be free, fair and inclusive, and that international observers are invited. In particular, I hope that the process will enable the President elect to be inaugurated by 11 November, in line with the constitutional framework. I urge all presidential candidates to act in line with the interests of the people of Maldives, and to respect the democratic process.”

The Supreme Court said in its verdict that it found irregularities in over 5,000 votes, following the case filed by Jumhooree Party alleging vote rigging.

Hague also expressed concern over reports of intimidation, violence, arrests and arson attacks which have taken place in the past days, and called on all parties to take action to create conditions which are conducive to free, fair and transparent elections.