UN chief hails conclusion of presidential runoff in Maldives

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UN chief hails conclusion of presidential runoff in Maldives

(Xinhua) 08:31, November 18, 2013

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UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 17 -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Sunday welcomed the conclusion of the runoff of the presidential election in the Maldives, hoping the new government will "engage the opposition in a constructive manner."

The secretary-general, in a statement issued here by his spokesman, said, "Once again, the people of the Maldives have turned out to vote in impressive numbers, showing their determination to choose their next president, despite the many obstacles and delays."

"The close contest highlights the need for the new administration to engage the opposition in a constructive manner and to lead the country in the interest of all Maldivians," the statement said.

Abdulla Yameen was sworn in as Maldivian president Sunday, a day after winning a closely contested presidential election, putting an end to nearly two years of political uncertainties that had posed threat to the Indian Ocean holiday paradise's vital tourism sector.

Yameen narrowly defeated former President Mohamed Nasheed with 51.6 percent of the vote, bringing an end to a long drawn-out presidential battle spanning nearly three months.

During his campaign, the 54-year-old economist had pledged to pursue oil exploration and encourage foreign investment in extraction, noting that the rising price of the commodity made extraction more feasible.

"The secretary-general notes the preliminary assessment by international and domestic observers that the election was administered in a transparent and professional manner and congratulates the tireless efforts of the Elections Commission," said the statement. "The secretary-general strongly urges all political leaders, state institutions and the Maldivian people to work urgently toward genuine reconciliation and to advance the country's democratic process through long-term institutional reforms, in particular strengthening the judiciary and accountability mechanisms, and promoting a national dialogue."

The secretary-general stands ready to continue to provide the United Nations' support for democratic progress and prosperity in the Maldives, the statement added.

Former president Nasheed gained 45.45 percent in the first round on Sept. 7. He was well ahead of his rival Yameen. But later the result was annulled amid allegations of electoral fraud.

A second attempt to elect a president was made on Oct. 19, but was also derailed. Then the election finally took place on Nov. 9, but the attempt to hold a runoff between Nasheed and Yameen the following day failed hours before voting was about to begin.

The Maldives had been roiled by political discord since Nasheed was controversially ousted from power in February 2012.

（Editor：LiangJun、Yao Chun）