Maldives votes in key elections as fractioned parties vie for legislative power

Maldives heads to the polls on Sunday to elect a new parliament as top political parties battle internal fractions to gain a majority in the legislative. 

Over 284,000 people are eligible to vote in the parliamentary elections with a total 368 candidates vying for 93 constituents. 

Incumbent president Dr. Mohamed Muizzu who won the presidential elections last November is battling fractions within his own party PPM/PNC led by former leader Abdulla Yameen. 

Yameen who was freed from his 11 year jail sentence for corruption and money laundering around 48 hours ago is fielding his own candidates from his recently founded People's National Front (PNF). The former president quit the ruling PPM/PNC coalition shortly after his former housing minister Muizzu won the presidential elections.

The election is crucial for Muizzu as he aims to consolidate his rule just a few months after winning the presidency.

Main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) which holds a significant majority in the current parliament meanwhile would also be facing a fractioned supporter base amid competition for votes with breakaway faction The Democrats. 

Former president and leader Mohamed Nasheed formed The Democrats shortly before the presidential elections after a major falling out with the then president and childhood friend Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The split within MDP proved costly in the last elections as The Democrats led by Nasheed garnered over 15,000 votes which ultimately proved the difference between Solih and Muizzu. 

Voting throughout the archipelago began at 8 am and will go on till 5.30pm with preliminary results not expected till late Saturday. 

Political analysists believe that the intense rivalry within the major parties could lead to a hung parliament.