12 October 2013, Male'; President Waheed has decided to withdraw his candidacy from the Presidential Election scheduled to be held on 19 October 2013, following the decision of the Supreme Court to nullify the first round of the election, which was held on 7 September. A statement released by President Waheed's election office said that he took this decision in the greater interests of the country at a time when the integrity and the independence of Elections Commission and the election process are being challenged. The Supreme Court found serious flaws with the election register and considered other allegations of irregularities.
The President will remain in office until his term ends on 11 November, when a new president is expected to be sworn-in. Disputes arising from the first round have caused serious disagreements among political parties, the Election Commission and the Supreme Court. At this critical juncture, the President has given his commitment to the nation that he would do everything possible to maintain peace and stability in the country, and to ensure that the election process continues with greater fairness, and to steer the country through these difficult times.
Although President Waheed gained the least number of votes in the nullified first round of the election, he continues to be highly respected by other political leaders in the country for the calmness with which he has managed the country and for maintaining peace and stability in the nation.
ENDS…