United Nations, Sep 4 (IANS): UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called for "credible and peaceful" presidential elections in the Maldives and encouraged all presidential candidates to respect the election results.

"The secretary general calls on the people of the Maldives to ensure that the upcoming Sep 7 presidential elections (is) conducted in a credible and peaceful manner," Xinhua quoted Ban as saying Tuesday.

"In such a context, the secretary general encourages all presidential candidates to respect the election results no matter who wins and also asks all stakeholders to overcome past differences," the statement said.

The secretary general urged all Maldivians to work together in a constructive manner toward national harmony and democratic consolidation, it said.

Ban also emphasised on the need for a renewed commitment to the institutional reform process.

Incumbent President Mohamed Waheed will be contesting in the presidential polls with his main rival, former president and leader of the Maldives Democratic Party Mohammad Nasheed.

Observer teams will be stationed in 10 regions of the Maldives during the elections to ensure that eligible voters are provided with the right to vote.

International monitors from the European Union and the Commonwealth are also expected at the closely watched polls.