UN chief calls for peaceful and credible Maldivian presidential poll

New York, Oct 9: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Tuesday called for "peaceful, inclusive and credible" presidential election in the

as he took note of the re-polling to be held "within a new time frame".

"The secretary-general took note of the Maldivian Supreme Court's decision ordering fresh presidential elections to be held within a new time frame," said 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 on Monday annulled the results of the first round of presidential election which was held on 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.

Maldives: Presidential election to be held on Oct 20

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.

IANS