Against all odds and despite the concerns of international observers over the legitimacy of the presidential election, victory was secured by opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Indeed, international observers worried about rigged elections in favour of the incumbent President Abdulla Yameen.

The opposition’s victory was declared on Twitter this morning by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

These results are nonetheless provisional and are to be confirmed within seven days. Yet, the United States and India have welcomed the results as they were released. Can this victory bring back peace in the atolls? The future will tell. What is certain is that the voter turnout of 89.22 percent was a good sign that Maldivians are ready for change.

Matthieu Mazerat

For further information:

Reuters : https://www.reuters.com/article/us-maldives-election/maldives-says-opposition-wins-peaceful-presidential-election-idUSKCN1M20VA
Le Monde : https://www.lemonde.fr/asie-pacifique/article/2018/09/23/maldives-le-leader-de-l-opposition-revendique-la-victoire-a-l-election-presidentielle_5359124_3216.html
BBC : https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-45592375
Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Republic of Maldives : http://foreign.gov.mv/index.php/en/mediacentre/news/4629-provisional-results-announced-in-presidential-elections