Political situation in the Maldives

Ibrahim Solih. Mohamed Sharuhaan / AP 

Political situation in the Maldives 

Elections in the Maldives - a battle between India and China 

Much is at stake when the Maldives goes to presidential elections on Saturday. The election is closely followed by the great powers India and China, who both have major interests in the island nation in the Indian Ocean, AP writes.  

Incumbent President Ibrahim Solih has a pro-India stance while main opponent Mohamed Muizzu has a history of close ties with China. Among other things, Muizzo has gone to the polls to throw out the Indian military stationed in the country. 

If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, a second round of elections awaits between the two who receive the most votes. In that case, it will take place later in September.  

Solih casts his vote. Mohamed Sharuhaan / AP  

The Maldives is heading for the second round of the presidential election 

Maldives' incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih received 39.1 percent of the vote in Saturday's presidential election, preliminary figures show according to AFP. Thus, he falls behind the challenger Mohamed Muizzu, the mayor of the capital Malé, who gets 46.8 percent. 

As no candidate looks set to get over 50 percent, the election will go to a second round, which will be held on September 30.  

The election is closely followed by the great powers India and China, who both have major interests in the island nation in the Indian Ocean, AP writes. Solih has a pro-India stance, while Muizzu has a history of close ties to China. 

The Maldives map