Opposition calls for maximum restraint ahead of Saturday election

(Xinhua): The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) led by former President Mohamed Nasheed on Thursday called for calm and maximum restraint from all parties ahead of elections for two parliamentary seats on Saturday.

Hamid Abdul Ghafoor, MDP spokesperson for international affairs said that the party gives its highest assurance not to support anything that would instigate violence and calls on all its supporters to act along with the regulations of political party campaigning to ensure a peaceful poll.

The MDP also welcomed the American government's decision to observe the upcoming elections.
"The MDP strongly calls on the U.S. authorities and other international organizations to remind Waheed's regime, the Maldives Police Services and all other stakeholders in the Maldives toact with integrity and maximum restraint to help the elections to be impartial, free and fair,"Ghafoor said.

He said despite harassment faced by campaigns of its candidates, the party is still confident the Election Commission would ensure the upcoming elections free and fair and calls on all international organizations to closely monitor and observe these elections.

In a controversial power transfer Maldives' ex President Nasheed was replaced by his Vice President Mohamed Waheed on February 7.
Nasheed later claimed he was ousted in a military back coup and has been demanding for an early presidential election.

Waheed's government said conditions in Indian Ocean islands nation are not conducive for an early election due to street fights and violence instigated by MDP.