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Incumbent will likely win Maldives presidential poll

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Significance

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) aims to secure a second five-year term. The other nominees include a member of a recently formed party centred on his colleague-turned-adversary Mohamed Nasheed, but not Abdulla Yameen, the opposition politician serving an eleven-year prison term for corruption and money laundering.

Impacts

  • A run-off, which would have to be held within 21 days of the first round, would likely be between Solih and the substitute for Yameen.
  • Solih would be at greater risk of defeat if the contest went to a second round, as several parties could unite against him.
  • If Solih wins narrowly, some opposition players at least will probably allege electoral fraud.

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