UN chief calls for peaceful Maldivian presidential poll

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon Tuesday called for "peaceful, inclusive and credible" presidential election in the Maldives as he took note of the repolling to be held "within a new time frame".

"The secretary-general takes note of the Maldivian Supreme Court's decision ordering fresh presidential elections to be held within a new time frame," reported Xinhua citing a statement issued here by Ban's spokesperson.

"He also acknowledges the continuing efforts by the Elections Commission of the Maldives."

"The secretary-general once again calls on all Maldivians to ensure a peaceful, inclusive and credible process for these elections," the statement said.

The Maldivian Supreme Court Monday annulled the results of the first round of presidential election which was held Sep 7, and ordered a new election by Oct 20.

Former President Mohammed Nasheed won the first round of presidential election with 45.45 percent of the vote but fell short of the 50 percent required to avoid a run-off.

The Supreme Court later suspended the run-off vote while it heard a petition into allegations of electoral fraud by resort tycoon Qasim Ibrahim, who finished a close third.

International observers monitoring the Maldives presidential election, including those from the UN and the Commonwealth, have termed the election as free and fair.