Report by Shuchi Giridhar
Maldives held its presidential elections on September 9th 2023.
The results of the selections have already been declared. No candidate has been elected as president yet.
For one to become the president of Maldives one not only has to secure the most votes but also get more than 50% of the total votes. Since no candidate has secured above 50%, no one has been declared as president of Maldives. In such a situation, a second round will be held. Only the two candidates that have the most votes will participate in the second round. In this year’s election, eight candidates have participated.
They are –
• Hassan Zameel – 0.16 (percentage of votes got)
• Mohamed Nazim – 0.86
• Ahmed Faris Maumoon – 1.37
• Qasim Ibrahim – 2.52
• Umar Naseer – 2.89
• Ilyas Labeeb – 7.04
• Ibrahim Mohamed Solih – 39.09 (the current President)
• Mohamed Muizzu – 46.06 (the chief opposition candidate)
Out of these candidates Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Mohamed Muizzu have received the most votes. These candidates will proceed to compete in the second round. Whoever wins the second round will be declared President.
The importance of Maldives
Maldives is one of India’s most important neighbours. A tiny archipelago in the Indian Ocean, most people know it as a popular tourist destination.
But strategically, it is an important country for China. China has been trying to get a military base in the Indian Ocean for a long time. A government that is friendly to China will enable the creation of such a post. This is why Maldives elections are important to India.
Featured image: Ibrahim Solih