Supreme Court stops Maldives run-off vote

MALE: The Supreme Court in the Maldives ordered the suspension of run-off presidential elections due to take place Sunday, a day after former president Mohamed Nasheed won the first round.

"All relevant state authorities are informed that today's election cannot take place," the court said, agreeing to a demand by a defeated candidate to put off the second round.

The court said the "most suitable date" for the next round would be November 16, despite strongly worded statements from the United States and the Commonwealth that elections should be held without further delay. (AFP)