Maldives officials today rejected a proposal by the country's presidential candidates to hold a revote of a much troubled election before the incumbent's term ends in order to avoid a possible constitutional crisis.
The three candidates in a rare instance of agreement proposed that the elections commission move up its third attempt at holding the vote so it takes place before Nov 11 when President Mohamed Waheed Hassan's term ends.
Candidate Mohamed Nasheed said Commissioner Fuwad Thoufeek rejected the proposal, citing a lack of time and resources.
The country's Supreme Court earlier this month annulled a Sept 7 election and ordered a revote, which was canceled after police intervened.
The conflict stems from allegations from Nasheed's two rival candidates, Yaamin Abdul Gayoom and Qasim Ibrahim, that the voters' register contained imaginary names and those of dead people.
The Elections Commission set the revote for Nov 9 and if no clear winner emerges a runoff election will be held Nov 16, five days after the presidential term ends.
Hassan says he will not stay in office beyond his term and asked Parliament to decide who will be in charge of the country if there is no clear winner Nov 9. Lawmakers have so far failed to reach a unanimous decision.
