Maldives: UN hails peaceful elections, as opposition wins out
New York, Sept 24 (IBNS): The United Nations on Monday commended “the commitment” to democracy in the Indian Ocean republic by voters in the Maldives, after opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih defeated incumbent Abdulla Yameen in Sunday’s presidential elections.
“We congratulate the Maldivian people for turning out in large numbers to exercise their right to vote,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said, briefing reporters in New York, noting “the peaceful and orderly conduct” of the elections.
“We commend the authorities and political leaders for a smooth polling day and for the commitment to a democratic Maldives.”
Yameen conceded defeat after the Election Commission said Mr. Solih had won by a margin of 16.7 per cent.
Earlier this year, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged the Government to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of the people after Yameen declared a state of emergency and sent his soldiers into the Supreme Court, when it ordered the release of convicted opposition leaders.
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.