Commonwealth Observers depart from Maldives after first round of election

Some of the current Observer Group will return for the run-off to be held 28 October

The Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group, former Prime Minister of Barbados Owen Arthur, departed from Maldives on 15 October 2008 upon completion of the Group's duties for the first round of the presidential election.

Some of the current Observer Group will return for the run-off to be held on 28 October 2008. Mr Arthur will also return to lead the team.

In its Interim Statement of 10 October, the Commonwealth Observer Group stressed the need for all parties to continue their positive and peaceful engagement in the process, and for a level playing field to be provided.

The Group also stressed the need for the Elections Commission to, among other things, address shortcomings in the voter list, and hoped that problems with the distribution of ID cards can be rectified in time for the run-off.

Source: www.isria.info