The country’s Supreme Court annulled the results of the first round of polls, which had been held on Sept 7, 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 Ban “acknowledges the continuing efforts by the Elections Commission of the Maldives.”

Earlier Tuesday, the Commission announced that a revote will be held Oct 19.

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 Sept 28.

UN Photo/Steve Tickner