20 October 2013, Male';President Dr. Mohamed Waheed has expressed concern that the presidential election could not be held as scheduled. The President reiterated full assurance to extend all his support and whatever assistance to the Election Commission to hold a free, fair and inclusive election, where none of the candidates boycott it. The President also urged all three candidates and political parties to find a solution to the current disagreements with regard to electoral register.
Over heightened political debate on the possibility of holding the election as scheduled, a meeting was convened by the election commission on the night of 18 October 2013, on the request of the President, between party representatives to discuss on ways to overcome differences to hold the election on schedule. However, an agreed outcome was not reached.
The decision to call off the Election has prompted street protests in Male' and some islands. According to the Police, the protests so far have been peaceful. However, they have issued an advice to all demonstrators to show consideration to the remaining members of the public and not to act in any ways that would affect travel on land and at sea or damage parked vehicles.
The Government continues to play a role as mediator to hold discussion with the Elections Commission and the candidates, advising to find a way forward to hold the election as early as possible, preferably on Saturday, 26 October 2013 or latest by 2 November 2013.
ENDS.