UN chief calls for peaceful presidential polls in Maldives

The Maldivian Supreme Court has annulled the results of the first round of polls held on September 7

In the wake of the Maldivian Supreme Court annulling results of the first phase of presidential polls, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on Male to ensure an inclusive and credible process for a fresh vote scheduled to be held again later this month.

The country's Supreme Court has annulled the results of the first round of polls, which had been held on September 7 and has called for a new vote.

"The Secretary-General takes note of the Maldivian Supreme Court's decision ordering fresh presidential elections to be held within a new time frame," Ban's spokesperson said in a statement.

Ban "once again calls on all Maldivians to ensure a peaceful, inclusive and credible process for these elections."

The spokesperson said Ban "acknowledges the continuing efforts by the Elections Commission of the Maldives.""

The Commission has announced that a revote will be held on October 19. The election had been seen as an important step in the country's democratic transition.

The Maldives underwent a change of government in 2012, when the previous democratically-elected President Mohamed Nasheed had resigned.

He was succeeded by his former deputy Mohammed Waheed Hassan. The apex court ruling is seen as a major blow to Nasheed who had emerged as the winner in the first round.

The court had late last month suspended presidential elections following a legal challenge, sparking protests and fears of fresh instability in the troubled Indian Ocean archipelago.

The directive came in response to a case filed by a political party demanding that the results of the first round on September 7 be annulled because of alleged discrepancies.