Polling is underway in Maldives in the run-off between the top two contenders. The first round of the Presidential elections was held on the 9th of September with no candidate securing the required 50 percent vote. Incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, representing the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), had polled over 39 percent votes while opposition candidate Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had secured 46 percent votes. The Elections Commission of Maldives has said that a total of 12,083 observers, monitors, and representatives will be active in the second round of the election, which is an increase of 3,012 over the first round.
Earlier yesterday, the Maldivian capital Male' witnessed spirited marches by both candidates. Mr. Solih passionately urged voters to choose stability and grant him a second term in office. Meanwhile, Dr. Muizzu pledged to uphold his commitments and govern faithfully if elected.
Maldives figures prominently in India’s Neighbourhood First policy as well as the SAGAR vision. India has also lent support to the Maldives for capacity building and training of personnel, boosting defence capabilities to ensure a secure Indian Ocean Region and improve connectivity through major infrastructure projects. In addition, India has been instrumental with 47 High Impact Community Development Projects in the Maldives bringing about a positive change in the archipelago nation.
