Important to avoid violence in the lead up to second round, reminds U.S.

The government of the United States has stated that it is important to avoid violence in the lead up to the second round of the presidential election, scheduled for Saturday 16 November.

In a statement released yesterday, State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki stated that given the current situation, it is important for the for the police and military to show restraint and respect the human rights of all Maldivian citizens.

“In the lead up to the November 16 second round vote, it is important to avoid violence and for the police and military to show restraint and respect the human rights of all Maldivian citizens,” the statement read.

The statement stressed that the Maldives’ democratic process must be supported by quickly concluding a free, fair, transparent and inclusive runoff election that results in the prompt inauguration of the new president.

The statement also expressed concern for President Waheed’s decision to stay in office past the constitutional end-of-term deadline.

“The United States Government is deeply concerned by President Waheed's unprecedented decision to remain past the legal mandate of his presidency, which ended on November 10,” the statement read.