MALE/COLOMBO: More than a quarter of a million people vote today (Saturday) for the next leader of the tropical Maldives in a closely contested vote seen as a battle for influence in the high-end tourist destination between India and China.
President Ibrahim Solih, who is seeking a second five-year term in the Indian Ocean archipelago appears to be slightly ahead in the polls. He has floated an “India-first” policy during his time in power.
Mohamed Muizzu is his main rival and the coalition backing him has a record of being close to China. He launched an “India out” campaign, promising to remove a small Indian military presence of several surveillance aircraft and some 75 personnel.
Muizzu entered the fray after the Supreme Court in August convicted former President Abdulla Yameen for corruption and money laundering and he was also banned from contesting the election.
According to a poll of 384 people published last month by the Baani Center think tank, 21% of respondents favoured Solih compared with 14% supporting Muizzu.
“August’s poll suggested a majority of voters, 53%, remain undecided just three weeks before the first round vote today (9 September). According to a statement by the organization, this month’s poll has seen the most ‘undecideds’ since Baani began its monthly poll in April.
If no candidate secures 50% plus one vote, there will be a second round vote on September 30 to decide the winner.
