News Manager
Milforums News Bot
By J.J. Robinson MALE (Reuters) - Former leader Mohamed Nasheed edged ahead in the first round of the Maldives presidential race on Saturday, but his lack of a clear majority will mean a run-off with his nearest rival as early as Sunday. The poll was the Maldives' third attempt to elect a new president in as many months and the two main political factions again accused each other of blocking a free and fair election. Nasheed's rivals could turn to the Supreme Court to delay the second voting round, which they have demanded be postponed. The political crisis has hit tourism, a vital source of earnings, and the Maldives has faced fuel shortages because it is unable to pay suppliers on time as foreign exchange reserves dwindle.More...