Britain has called for the Maldives to ensure free and fair elections during the fresh round of presidential polling to take place on Oct. 19 following cancellation of the first round by the Supreme Court, a statement said here Wednesday.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague has expressed concern about the cancellation of the first round of elections held on Sept. 7 and subsequent protests that erupted across the Indian Ocean group of islands.

"I note the Supreme Court's annulment of the first round of Presidential election results in Maldives, despite the assessment by both international and domestic monitors that proceedings were transparent, fair and credible," he said in the statement that was released by the British embassy in Colombo.

He urged candidates to adhere to the Maldives Constitution and avoid further delay.

"It is imperative that there are no further delays and the elections be free, fair and inclusive, and that international observers are invited. In particular, I hope that the process will enable the president-elect to be inaugurated by November 11, in line with the constitutional framework. I urge all presidential candidates to act in line with the interests of the people of Maldives, and to respect the democratic process."

Hague also expressed concern over reports of intimidation, crack down on protesters and possible investigations into the conduct of polls monitors who oversaw the previous round of elections.

"I am also worried by recent reports of intimidation, violence, arrests and arson attacks which have taken place in the past days. I further call on all parties to take action to create conditions which are conducive to free, fair and transparent elections."

The Maldives Elections Commission has decided to hold fresh presidential polls on Oct. 19 after the Supreme Court annulled the first round held in September.

The announcement came after the Maldives Supreme Court late on Monday annulled the first round of presidential elections held on Sept. 7 and ordered fresh polls to be held before October 20.

The court ordered that if no candidate secured an absolute majority of 50 percent in the fresh elections, a run-off election should be held before November 4.

During the last round of elections in September the winner was former President Mohammad Nasheed who was controversially ousted from power in 2012.

The international community led by the United States and the United Nations have also been closely observing the polls and calling for a swift resumption of the electoral process.

A new president must be sworn in by November 11 according to the Constitution.