US congratulates people of Maldives on conclusion of election process

The US on Sunday congratulated the people of Maldives on the peaceful conclusion of elections in their country and urged "calm and respect for the will of the people" as the process concludes.

"The United States congratulates the people of the Maldives, who peacefully raised their democratic voices to determine the future of their country," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said.

"Although the Election Commission has not yet announced the final tally, we note Maldives' media and NGO reports that the Joint Opposition candidate has secured a victory following a peaceful day of polling," she added.

"We urge calm and respect for the will of the people as the election process concludes," Nauert said.

Results released by the Election Commission of Maldives showed Joint Opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had secured 58.3 per cent of the popular vote -- an unassailable lead over incumbent President Abdulla Yameen.