Maldives: Ban urges peaceful election after highest court calls for fresh presidential vote

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today reiterated his calls on all Maldivians to ensure a peaceful, inclusive and credible process for the presidential elections which will be held anew later this month.

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

“The Secretary-General takes note of the Maldivian Supreme Court’s decision,” his spokesperson said in a statement.

The spokesperson added that Mr. Ban “acknowledges the continuing efforts by the Elections Commission of the Maldives.”

Earlier today, the Commission announced that a revote will be held 19 October.

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, resigned in contested circumstances. He was succeeded by his former deputy, Mohammed Waheed Hassan.

The first round of the presidential election was widely recognized as a success by international and domestic election observers. A second round had been scheduled for 28 September.