U.S. expresses concern over election delays in Maldives

The United States has expressed concern over the possibility of the re-organized first round of the Maldivian presidential election, set for 19 October, being postponed.

The U.S. Embassy for Sri Lanka and Maldives said in a statement that under the Constitution, a new president is required to be sworn in by 11 November 2013, and that further efforts to delay the electoral process could undermine the will of the people to choose their representative.

The statement reads: “The Electoral Commission has made concerted efforts to comply with the Supreme Court's requirements for a new first round, including the re-registration of thousands of voters. Political leaders must come together to ensure that participatory democracy is not undermined and that free, fair, credible and inclusive elections can take place peacefully and in line with international standards.”