Maldives poll officials have set November 9 as the next date for presidential elections amid a growing dispute over the delayed vote.
Electoral Commission head Fuwad Thowfeek announced that the first round of the elections will now be held on November 9, and a run-off will be held on November 16, if none of the candidates secured the required 50 percent majority for a clear victory, the BBC reports.
The Maldives has been facing political turmoil since former President Mohamed Nasheed was ousted in 2012.
Nasheed had won the first round of the election with 45 percent votes, against five percent won by President Mohamed Waheed in September.
However, the result was annulled by the Supreme Court and the second round of voting was postponed over reports of alleged irregularities, although international powers claimed the process had been free and fair.
President Mohamed Waheed had withdrawn from the elections after poll results were announced, and said that the polls would be free, fair and inclusive.
However, the opposition has called for Waheed to resign immediately.
The country’s constitution requires a president to be elected by 11 November, the report added. (ANI)