The Supreme Court of Maldives passed another midnight ruling yesterday, directing the Elections Commission to restart the re-registration process for the 19 October Presidential elections and to give candidates the choice whether to stay on the ballot paper or withdraw from the election. The Election Commission had already started the process of printing of ballot papers with same sequence of candidates as were registered in last month’s annulled elections. Political observers feel that the ruling could be to facilitate realignment of political forces in the country.

Meanwhile, India issued a statement welcoming President Waheed’s condemnation of efforts to stop the elections again through fresh petitions in the Supreme Court.

The US also expressed deep concern about continued legal actions that could further delay the election and prevent former President Nasheed from participating.

The first round of election that was held last month was annulled by the Supreme Court after Jumhoree Party alleged electoral malpractices. Former President Nasheed had won 45 percent of popular votes and was to face Abdulla Yameen in the final round. Last month’s elections were widely appreciated by the International observers, who had called them free, fair and robust.