In a statement, McKinnon pointed out that every election always has losers. But the winners of the elections must be the Maldivian people results of their votes must be paramount to the process and the result, he added. “I sincerely call on all political leaders to respect the intentions and expectations laid out in the constitution,” statement said. According to the special envoy, an 88 percent voter turnout in the first round marks a renewal of the country’s democratic credentials. “This displays a determination to get the country back on to a sound democratic foundation,” he said. “I was very pleased by the positive findings of the national and international observers, including those of the Commonwealth observer group.” Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamlesh Sharma had also expressed hope to seeing a smooth and peaceful continuation of the electoral process already underway in the Maldives. Sharma added that the election, when fully completed, would be a critical step forward in further consolidating democracy in Maldives, as had been previously encouraged and supported by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG). In addition to the Commonwealth, India which was part of the international observers monitoring the elections have appealed to all parties to respect the will of people expressed through results. India had asked all sides to respect the verdict and aspirations of the people of Maldives. “We hope that the second round of presidential elections will be held as scheduled on September 28, 2013 in a similar transparent, organised and peaceful manner,” a spokesperson of the Indian External Affairs Ministry had said Wednesday. Jumhooree Party (JP) presidential elections Gasim Ibrahim who narrowly missed out in a place in the second round of the polls later this month has alleged irregularities in the voters’ list and requested the supreme court to annul first round of elections. The appeal has been backed by Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) whose candidate Abdulla Yamin remained runner-up. The allegations have been refuted by the Election Commission and opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) whose candidate former president Mohamed Nasheed won the first round with overwhelming 45 per cent of total votes.