Police force delay of Maldives presidential poll
Technical reasons are cited for the delay but India and others express disappointment and note need to restore stability to fledgling democracy
Police in Maldives forced the postponement of yesterday's presidential polls, declaring the vote illegal in a decision that sparked international concern.
The Elections Commission just hours earlier had announced the vote would go ahead as planned despite eleventh-hour court challenges by two candidates who were expected to lose to a former president.
"We continued with preparations for voting, but the Maldives Police Service have said no documents connected to the election can leave the commission's offices," commission chairman Fuwad Thowfeek said, adding that a new election date would be announced later.
India issued a strongly worded statement expressing deep disappointment. "India and the international community have been closely watching the developments in Maldives and are seriously concerned at the attempts to stall the democratic process," the Indian Foreign Ministry said.
A US diplomat expressed concern over the latest obstacle to an election seen as vital to restore stability.
"The failure to hold elections this morning represents a real threat to democracy in the Maldives," the diplomat, asking to remain unnamed, said yesterday.