As Maldives goes to polls, campaigning draws to a close
With a total of 282,395 eligible voters, including 27,006 new voters, the election is set to take place across 574 polling stations.
Campaigning for the Maldivian presidential election drew to a close at 6pm Friday, as the nation eagerly anticipates polling to begin at 8am Saturday.
With a total of 282,395 eligible voters, including 27,006 new voters, the election is set to take place across 574 polling stations.
International observers and monitors, numbering 165 from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, and others, will oversee the election process. The European Union and Commonwealth have deployed substantial observation missions.
The candidates vying for the presidency include incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Male Mayor Dr Mohamed Muizz from the main opposition PPM-PNC, Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb representing The Democrats, Maamigili MP Gasim Ibrahim from the JP, Dhangethi MP Mohamed Nazim of the MNP, MRM President Faris Maumoon running as an Independent, former home minister Umar Naseer, and ex-Deputy Minister Hassan Zameel, both running independently.
Preliminary results are expected to be announced between 8-10 pm on Satueday.
In the event that no candidate secures a clear majority, a run-off election is scheduled for September 30, determining who will lead the Maldives in the coming five years.
As the campaign ends and the election approaches, all eyes are on the polls to see who will emerge as the next leader of the island nation.
