The Commonwealth Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Maldives Sir Donald McKinnon tonight expressed dismay at the decision by President Waheed to remain in office against the letter and spirit of the constitution.
Sir Donald said: "Regrettably, this decision is not unexpected, despite best efforts of the Commonwealth and the United Nations to encourage the President to stay within the constitution.
"I understand people's anguish, but calm must prevail in the interests of all Maldivians.
"I naturally hope that the second round of the election will go ahead on 16th November, as pledged by the President in his address to the nation tonight."
