Mohamed Muizzu wins Maldives presidential polls

Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of the opposition PPM PNC coalition has won the Presidential elections in Maldives. In the provisional results, Dr. Muizzu was shown to have polled over 53 per cent of the votes.As per the laws, at least 50% vote is necessary for a candidate to emerge victorious. Ibrahim Mohammed Solih of the ruling MDP increased his support from 39% in the first round to 46% in the runoff, but fell short of the necessary 50% to win.The President elect thanked all those who voted for him and called for the release of Abdulla Yameen who is serving an 11 year sentence on charges of Corruption. The vote for change in the Maldives comes after a strong anti-incumbency sentiment and a vitriolic campaign against the Solih’s policies. 
This was the second round of polling after no candidate emerged clear winner in the first round. Muizzu had emerged as the frontrunner in the first round with around 46 per cent votes, followed by Ibrahim Solih’s 39 per cent. Notably, Muizzu is considered ‘pro-China’ because of the huge Chinese loans by the country, under the previous PPM government.After the results, Maldives President Ibrahim Solih conceded defeat in Saturday’s run-off vote and congratulated Muizzu. The outcome also marks a stark reversal of fortune for Solih, who won the last election in 2018 by a landslide, amid widespread anger over human rights abuses and corruption under his predecessor.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated to Muizzu on being elected as President of the Maldives.In a message, he said that, India remains committed to strengthening the time-tested India-Maldives bilateral relationship and enhancing our overall cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.