Deeply concerned Ban Ki-moon calls for speedy Maldives vote

Published October 21, 2013
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. — File photo
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. — File photo

UNITED NATIONS: UN leader Ban Ki-moon on Monday joined international opposition to the cancellation of a presidential election in the Maldives that has heightened tensions in the Indian Ocean nation.

Ban is “deeply concerned” by the new delay in the vote and called for “political leaders and state institutions to live up to their responsibilities, respect the democratic process and participate in a credible, peaceful and inclusive re-run election as soon as possible,” said UN spokesman Martin Nesirky.

Maldives police on Saturday halted an election runoff that opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed was expected to win. The European Union and India have also expressed deep concern.

Nasheed, who was toppled as Maldives leader 20 months ago, has called on President Mohamed Waheed to step down and let the speaker of parliament conduct a fresh presidential vote.

Ban said the vote should be held as quickly as possible so that “a new president can be inaugurated on 11 November in accordance with the constitution,” said the UN spokesman.

“The aspirations and the will of the Maldivian people were expressed in the 88 per cent participation of eligible voters in the September 7 election. The secretary general strongly believes that the legitimate will of the people should not be denied,” said Nesirky.

The UN has sent an envoy to the Maldives several times in a bid to press for a negotiated end to political tensions in the state, which adopted multi-party democracy in 2008.

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.