The Supreme Court has issued an order, stating that the candidates and running mates who stood for election in the first round, which has been annulled by the Supreme Court, have the right to withdraw their names for the re-run of the first round scheduled for 19 October.

The court said that it is clear from the verdict issued by the court annulling the first round of the election, that candidates and running mates have the right to not contest in the first round re-run, which must be held according to the guidelines issued by the court.

This court order follows an announcement by the Elections Commission a few days ago that the candidates who stood for election in the first round of the election cannot withdraw their names for the re-run scheduled for 19 October.

President Dr Mohamed Waheed’s running mate Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, following the first round, decided to back presidential candidate of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed in the second round. Thasmeen has said that he will not return to the post of President Waheed’s running mate.