Winner in Maldives poll should avoid political vendetta: India

India has asserted that "acceptability of results" in the presidential elections in Maldives is of utmost importance and the winner should not go for any kind of "political vendetta" against the losing candidates.
Sources said New Delhi has been engaging with all the candidates and has repeatedly stressed the fact that results of the September 7 election should be honoured.
India, which shares close ties with the archipelago nation, is of the view that multi-party democracy is in a very nascent stage and should be given time to deepen its roots here, they said.
Former President Mohammed Nasheed who was ousted under "not so normal" circumstances has said during his campaign that all the actors who were part of his ouster will be brought to book.

"India has been engaged with all Presidential candidates and all political parties in its efforts to facilitate a smooth political process leading up to presidential elections...In the interactions with political leaders, the Government of India has emphasised the importance of conducting free, fair and credible elections in a peaceful environment followed by smooth transition," the External Affairs Ministry had said in a statement.
The security agencies here are on their toes apprehending disturbance in case results are not according to the "popular aspirations".

The sources said in case none of the candidates manages more than 50 per cent of total votes, the next round of a run-off will take place between two top candidates on September 28.

They are of the view that the intervening period of 21 days from the day of results is very crucial to ensure that no disturbance takes place against losing candidates.
They said the winner of the election should not go for any kind of "political vendetta".
Sources said India's attempts have been to help the Election Commission here with the capacity building so that "inclusive and credible" elections can be held.
They said New Delhi has been engaging not only with the local leaders, NGOs and other groups but also with international organisations like Commonwealth, the UN and the European Union.