Maldives Presidential Election: No one gets 50 percent votes, second phase of voting will be held on September 30

Maldives will go to the polls for the second phase on September 30 after none of the eight candidates in the presidential election received more than 50 percent of the votes needed for a clear victory. The Election Commission said that in the second phase, the contest would be between the top two candidates. Opposition candidate Mohamed Muizz received more than 46 percent of the vote in the election, while outgoing President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih received 39 percent. This election is also a referendum on whether the regional power, India or China, will have more influence on this island country in the Indian Ocean. Solih is considered pro-India, while Muij is considered pro-China.

Solih is seeking re-election for a second term and is battling allegations from Muiz that he has allowed India an uncontrolled presence in the country. Muiz has promised that if he wins the election, he will withdraw Indian troops from the Maldives and balance the country’s trade ties. He says that currently trade relations are in favor of India. Muij’s party ‘People’s National Congress’ is considered pro-China. People’s National Congress leader and former President Abdulla Yameen made Maldives a part of China’s ‘One Belt One Road’ project during his tenure from 2013 to 2018.

The project envisages the construction of ports, railway lines and roads to expand trade and China’s influence throughout Asia, Africa and Europe. Mohammad Sharif, a senior official of Mueez’s party, told The Associated Press that the removal of the Indian troops was a priority for the party. Sharif said that the people of Maldives are not aware about the number of Indian troops and their activities. He said that these military personnel make special use of some parts of the country and airports. More than 2,82,000 people are eligible to vote in the presidential election. A candidate needs to get one vote more than 50 percent to win.

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