Maldives SC declares prez polls 1st round as null and void

In a significant decision which may escalate the political turmoil in Maldives, the country's Supreme Court today declared as null and void the first round of presidential polls in which former president Mohammed Nasheed emerged as the winner.
The apex court also directed that fresh polls must be held before November 3 and the re-run of the first round should be conducted on the 20th of this month, President Mohammed Waheed's Press Secretary Masood Imad told PTI.
"The Supreme Court today annulled the first round of presidential elections held on September 7," Masood said.