UN, Indian envoys in Maldives to push presidential re-vote

A senior UN official began a two-day mission to the Maldives on Wednesday along with Indian diplomats to push for free and fair presidential elections. The visit by Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Oscar Fernandez-Taranco followed a call by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the Maldives to hold a re-run as soon as possible so that a new president can be sworn in before the constitutional deadline of Nov. 11. Supreme Court had annulled the first round of presidential elections held on Sept. 7 citing irregularities and ordered fresh polls under a comprehensive guideline. Elections Commission had announced the re-vote on Oct. 19 but it was blocked at the last minute by Police. Elections commission now slated Saturday for the third attempt at electing a new president. Taranco "will stress the importance of holding the elections as planned and ensuring a constitutional path forward, encouraging Maldivian political leaders and government officials to fulfill their responsibilities toward the democratic process," said UN spokesperson Farhan Haq. "The visit coincides with that of the Special Envoy of the Commonwealth Secretary-General for the Maldives, Sir Don McKinnon, and reflects the very close coordination between the UN and the Commonwealth on the situation in the Maldives," Haq added. Meanwhile, India has dispatched a team of senior diplomats to Male on Tuesday, hoping to put pressure on the Maldivian government to hold the next round of presidential elections as scheduled and ensure that it's free and fair. The latest visit, diplomatic sources say, is to make sure that free and fair elections are held as scheduled. The team will be led by a joint secretary in the ministry of external affairs. Maldives' three presidential candidates also signed off on a crucial voter's list on Wednesday and agreed to smooth vote on Saturday. If Maldives does not elect a president by Nov. 11 the Speaker of Parliament will take over and oversee the transition of power.