Maldives President accepts defeat despite court challenge

COLOMBO, Oct 17 (AFP): Outgoing Maldives President Abdulla Yameen told the nation on Wednesday he accepted defeat in last month’s elections, even as the strongman ruler lobbies the Supreme Court to call a fresh poll.

In a televised address to the nation, Yameen made no reference to his controversial legal bid to annul the results of the election he lost despite stifling his opponents.

"This is my final address to the nation before I leave," said the 59-year-old whose term in office ends on November 17.

"During my tenure, the most difficult thing for me was my failure to learn about the people. I just couldn't find out what shapes their wishes."