Maldives: UN chief voices deep concern at delay of presidential re-run
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 20 October 2013 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, Maldives: UN chief voices deep concern at delay of presidential re-run, 20 October 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5266447e4.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
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.
