Maldives heads for a run-off vote after the opposition candidate Mohammed Muizzu fell short of an outright majority in the first round of the Presidential elections
Mr. Muizzu took a surprise lead over President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ending at 46% vote while Mr. Solih could get 39%. Muizzu entered the fray after former President Abdulla Yameen was banned from contesting the election by the Supreme Court in August following a conviction for corruption and money laundering. The run off election between Mr. Muizzu and Mr. Solih will be held on 30th of this month. Saturday’s vote was to choose the country’s fifth freely elected president since Maldives became a multiparty democracy in 2008. Eight candidates contested in the elections with India Out as the poll plank of the opposition alliance. Maldives under Ibrahim Solih had been pursuing an India First approach with India implementing several High Impact Community Development Projects and major infrastructure projects. It is notable that the two countries are close and friendly neighbours sharing cultural links between the people. India was among the first to recognise Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with the country.