US urges politicians in the Maldives to compromise on troubled presidential election

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – The United States has urged politicians in the Maldives to work out a compromise on its troubled presidential election to avoid a constitutional crisis.

The Maldives' Supreme Court annulled results of the Sept. 7 election, saying the voter registry included made-up names and those of dead people. It ordered a revote, which police then stopped, saying officials had not complied with all guidelines set out by the court in holding the election.

A third attempt at holding the election has been set for Saturday.

The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka said Monday that further election delays could damage the Maldives' international reputation and economy. It said that "time is of the essence," with the current government's mandate expiring Nov. 11.