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MALE: The Maldives' first-ever democratic presidential election will be decided in a run-off on October 29, after the first round failed to deliver a clear winner, officials said.
The run-off date is well outside the 10-day limit laid down by the Indian Ocean archipelago's election law.
The head-to-head vote will pit Asia's longest serving leader, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, against his most outspoken critic and former political prisoner Mohamed "Anni" Nasheed.
During Wednesday's first round, Gayoom polled 40.63 percent of the vote, while Nasheed secured 25.09 percent.
According to the election law, the run-off should be held within 10 days, but Election Commissioner Mohamed Ibrahim insisted the delay was necessary.
"This is the best way for us to organise this," Ibrahim told reporters. "It's for candidates to campaign. It's to correct issues with the voter registry. It's to get people their rights".
The first round of polling appeared flawed due to various irregularities, which Ibrahim said included problems with voter lists, identity cards and indelible ink washing off voters' hands.
Gayoom, who has ruled the tourist resort destination since 1978, told reporters that he was "proud" of the result, even though he had hoped for a clear first round win.
He said he was in a strong position to win the run-off and argued that Wednesday's vote count proved he was still "the most popular public figure" in the country.
But analysts say Gayoom will have a tough time if supporters of the other opposition candidates rally behind Nasheed – a one-time Amnesty International "prisoner of conscience."
"God willing ... there will a Maldivian citizens' government in the Maldives. By principle, we are willing to work with everyone," Nasheed told reporters late Thursday.
The landmark presidential vote was the first time Gayoom has allowed any competition.
- AFP/so
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