Maldives: UN chief voices deep concern at delay of presidential re-run

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday voiced his deep concern at the delay of the re-run of the 7 September presidential election annulled by the Supreme Court and called on all concerned to ensure that the polls take place as soon as possible.

“The Secretary-General calls on all parties to maintain calm and urges political leaders and state institutions to live up to their responsibilities, respect the democratic process and participate in a credible, peaceful and inclusive re-run election as soon as possible, so that a new president can be inaugurated on 11 November in accordance with the Constitution,” said a statement issued by Mr. Ban's spokesperson.

“The aspirations and the will of the Maldivian people were expressed in the 88 per cent participation of eligible voters in the 7 September election. The Secretary-General strongly believes that the legitimate will of the people should not be denied.”

The country was supposed to hold a fresh vote on 19 October after the Supreme Court annulled the results of the 7 September polls. However, police reportedly stopped officials from holding the election yesterday.