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{{Short description|none}}
{{Short description|13th presidential election in the Maldives}}
{{Infobox election
{{Infobox election
| country = Maldives
| country = Maldives
| type = presidential
| type = presidential
| ongoing = no
| previous_election = 2018 Maldivian presidential election
| previous_election = 2018 Maldivian presidential election
| previous_year = 2018
| previous_year = 2018
| election_date = 9 September 2023 (first round)<br> {{nowrap|30 September 2023 (second round)}}
| election_date = 9 September 2023 (first round)<br> {{nowrap|30 September 2023 (second round)}}
| next_election =
| next_election = 2028 Maldivian presidential election
| next_year = 2028
| next_year = 2028
| turnout = 79.85% (first round)<br> {{nowrap|87.31% (second round)}}
| turnout = 79.85% (first round)<br>87.31% (second round)


| nominee1 = '''[[Mohamed Muizzu]]'''
| nominee1 = '''[[Mohamed Muizzu]]'''
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| popular_vote1 = '''129,159'''
| popular_vote1 = '''129,159'''
| percentage1 = '''54.04%'''
| percentage1 = '''54.04%'''
| states_carried1 = '''18 + [[Malé]]'''


| nominee2 = [[Ibrahim Mohamed Solih]]
| nominee2 = [[Ibrahim Mohamed Solih]]
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| popular_vote2 = 109,868
| popular_vote2 = 109,868
| percentage2 = 45.96%
| percentage2 = 45.96%
| states_carried2 = 2


| map_image =
| map_image = 2023 maldives election map real.png
| map_size =
| map_size =
| map_caption =
| map_caption = Second round results by atoll


| title = [[President of the Maldives|President]]
| title = [[President of the Maldives|President]]
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}}
}}


Presidential elections were held in the [[Maldives]] on Saturday, 9 September 2023, with a second round held on 30 September.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.sun.mv/80310|title=Maldives to hold 2023 presidential election on September 9|website=Maldives Sun|date=15 January 2023|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213222252/https://en.sun.mv/80310|url-status=live}}</ref> Incumbent president [[Ibrahim Mohamed Solih]] was seeking re-election, after defeating Speaker of the [[People's Majlis]] [[Mohamed Nasheed]] in the [[Maldivian Democratic Party]] primaries.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Junayd |first=Mohamed |date=2023-01-29 |title=Maldives President Solih wins presidential primary, party says |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/maldives-president-solih-wins-presidential-primary-party-says-2023-01-29/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |archive-date=2023-03-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306235316/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/maldives-president-solih-wins-presidential-primary-party-says-2023-01-29/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[Maldivian presidential elections|Presidential elections]] were held in the [[Maldives]] on Saturday, 9 September 2023, with a second round held on 30 September.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 January 2023 |title=Maldives to hold 2023 presidential election on September 9 |url=https://en.sun.mv/80310 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213222252/https://en.sun.mv/80310 |archive-date=13 February 2023 |access-date=13 February 2023 |work=Sun}}</ref> Incumbent president [[Ibrahim Mohamed Solih]] was seeking re-election, after defeating the-then Speaker of the [[People's Majlis]] [[Mohamed Nasheed]] in the [[Maldivian Democratic Party]] primaries.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Junayd |first=Mohamed |date=2023-01-29 |title=Maldives President Solih wins presidential primary, party says |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/maldives-president-solih-wins-presidential-primary-party-says-2023-01-29/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |archive-date=2023-03-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306235316/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/maldives-president-solih-wins-presidential-primary-party-says-2023-01-29/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[People's National Congress (Maldives)|People's National Congress]] candidate and [[Malé]] mayor [[Mohamed Muizzu]] won the election with 54% of the votes, defeating Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and becoming [[President of the Maldives|President-elect of the Maldives]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sharuhan |first=Mohamed |date=1 October 2023 |title=Maldives opposition candidate Mohamed Muiz wins the presidential runoff, local media say |url=https://apnews.com/article/maldives-presidential-election-solih-muiz-d0e014acea11cef0fe4ce966fc8ff378 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003031247/https://apnews.com/article/maldives-presidential-election-solih-muiz-d0e014acea11cef0fe4ce966fc8ff378 |archive-date=3 October 2023 |access-date=30 September 2023 |work=[[Associated Press|AP News]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mohamed |first1=Maahil |last2=Mashal |first2=Mujib |date=30 September 2023 |title=Maldives President Is Defeated, in Vote Overshadowed by India and China |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/30/world/asia/maldives-election-india-china.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930210726/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/30/world/asia/maldives-election-india-china.html |archive-date=30 September 2023 |access-date=30 September 2023 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> It was the fourth consecutive election in which a Maldivian president failed to win reelection, the last to do so having been [[Maumoon Abdul Gayoom]], who ran unopposed, in [[2003 Maldivian presidential election|2003]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Radhakrishnan |first=R.K. |date=5 September 2023 |title=Can Maldivian President Ibu Solih defy the odds and secure a second term? |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/world-affairs/maldives-presidential-election-2023-odds-stacked-against-ibu-solih/article67251287.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002152512/https://frontline.thehindu.com/world-affairs/maldives-presidential-election-2023-odds-stacked-against-ibu-solih/article67251287.ece |archive-date=2 October 2023 |access-date=1 October 2023 |work=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]]}}</ref>
[[People's National Congress (Maldives)|People's National Congress]] candidate and [[Malé]] mayor [[Mohamed Muizzu]] won the election with 54% of the votes, defeating Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and becoming [[President of the Maldives|President-elect of the Maldives]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/maldives-presidential-election-solih-muiz-d0e014acea11cef0fe4ce966fc8ff378|title=Maldives opposition candidate Mohamed Muiz wins the presidential runoff, local media say|website=AP News|date=30 September 2023|access-date=30 September 2023|archive-date=3 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003031247/https://apnews.com/article/maldives-presidential-election-solih-muiz-d0e014acea11cef0fe4ce966fc8ff378|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/30/world/asia/maldives-election-india-china.html |title=Maldives President Is Defeated, in Vote Overshadowed by India and China |work=The New York Times |date=30 September 2023 |last1=Mohamed |first1=Maahil |last2=Mashal |first2=Mujib |access-date=30 September 2023 |archive-date=30 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930210726/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/30/world/asia/maldives-election-india-china.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It was the fourth consecutive election in which a Maldivian president failed to win reelection, the last to do so having been [[Maumoon Abdul Gayoom]], who ran unopposed, in [[2003 Maldivian presidential election|2003]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/world-affairs/maldives-presidential-election-2023-odds-stacked-against-ibu-solih/article67251287.ece|title=Can Maldivian President Ibu Solih defy the odds and secure a second term?|first=R. K.|last=Radhakrishnan|date=September 5, 2023|website=Frontline|access-date=October 1, 2023|archive-date=October 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002152512/https://frontline.thehindu.com/world-affairs/maldives-presidential-election-2023-odds-stacked-against-ibu-solih/article67251287.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Background==
==Background==
Former president [[Abdulla Yameen]] of the [[Progressive Party of Maldives]] (PPM) had announced his candidacy for president, but due to his sentencing in 2018 to 11 years in prison for corruption and money laundering due to his connection to the [[Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation scandal]] he is ineligible to appear on the ballot. PPM's vice president [[Mohamed Muizzu]] purportedly ran on his behalf as a nominee of the [[People's National Congress (Maldives)|PNC]], which he also joined before the election. Abdulla Yameen opted to support Muizzu's candidacy after previously calling for a boycott of the election.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://oneonline.mv/en/80167|title=Yameen changes mind, extends support for Muizzu|website=One Online|access-date=2023-10-01|archive-date=2023-10-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002154015/https://oneonline.mv/en/80167|url-status=live}}</ref>
Former president [[Abdulla Yameen]] of the [[Progressive Party of Maldives]] (PPM) had announced his candidacy for president, but due to his sentencing in 2018 to 11 years in prison for [[corruption]] and [[money laundering]] due to his connection to the [[Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation scandal]] he is ineligible to appear on the ballot. PPM's vice president [[Mohamed Muizzu]] purportedly ran on his behalf as a nominee of the [[People's National Congress (Maldives)|PNC]], which he also joined before the election. Abdulla Yameen opted to support Muizzu's candidacy after previously calling for a boycott of the election.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 August 2023 |title=Yameen changes mind, extends support for Muizzu |url=https://oneonline.mv/en/80167 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002154015/https://oneonline.mv/en/80167 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |access-date=1 October 2023 |work=One}}</ref>


Former Minister of Defence and National Security, [[Mohamed Nazim]] of the [[Maldives National Party]] announced his candidacy for president. The [[Jumhooree Party]] announced that they will put forth candidates as well. [[Ilyas Labeeb]] of the newly formed [[The Democrats (Maldives)|The Democrats]] nominated himself as a candidate for president. Independents [[Ahmed Faris Maumoon]], son of [[Maumoon Abdul Gayoom]], Umar Naseer and Hassan Zameel also announced their candidacies for president. This presidential election had the most recorded candidates since the first direct contested election in [[2008 Maldivian presidential election|2008]], where six candidates participated.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maldives Presidential Election to be held on Sept 9 |url=https://avas.mv/en/127200 |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=Avas |language=en |archive-date=2023-03-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306111327/https://avas.mv/en/127200 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Former Minister of Defence and National Security, [[Mohamed Nazim]] of the [[Maldives National Party]] announced his candidacy for president. The [[Jumhooree Party]] announced that they will put forth candidates as well. [[Ilyas Labeeb]] of the newly formed [[The Democrats (Maldives)|The Democrats]] nominated himself as a candidate for president. Independents [[Ahmed Faris Maumoon]], son of [[Maumoon Abdul Gayoom]], Umar Naseer and Hassan Zameel also announced their candidacies for president. This presidential election had the most recorded candidates since the first direct contested election in [[2008 Maldivian presidential election|2008]], where six candidates participated.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 January 2023 |title=Maldives Presidential Election to be held on Sept 9 |url=https://avas.mv/en/127200 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306111327/https://avas.mv/en/127200 |archive-date=6 March 2023 |access-date=6 March 2023 |work=Avas}}</ref>


As no candidate received over 50% of the vote in the first round, the top two finishers, Muizzu and incumbent Solih, moved on to a runoff.
As no candidate received over 50% of the vote in the first round, the top two finishers, Muizzu and incumbent Solih, moved on to a runoff.


==Electoral system==
==Electoral system==
The Maldives has a [[presidential system]] of government where the [[President of the Maldives|president]] is both the head of state and government. The president is elected via [[Direct election|direct-vote]] every five years and can only be elected for a maximum of two terms, which is the limit allowed by the [[Constitution of the Maldives|constitution]].<ref name="constitution">{{Cite web |title=Constitution of Maldives – The President's Office |url=https://presidency.gov.mv/Pages/Index/15 |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=presidency.gov.mv |archive-date=2023-08-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804104314/https://presidency.gov.mv/Pages/Index/15 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="aceproject">{{cite web|url=https://aceproject.org/epic-en/CDCountry?country=MV|title=Comparative Data — Maldives|website=Ace Project|access-date=2023-10-01|archive-date=2023-10-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002152513/https://aceproject.org/epic-en/CDCountry?country=MV|url-status=live}}</ref> The law and constitution of the Maldives grants its citizens the right to vote and run for public office at the age of 18.<ref name="constitution" />
The Maldives has a [[presidential system]] of government where the [[President of the Maldives|president]] is both the head of state and government. The president is elected via [[Direct election|direct-vote]] every five years and can only be elected for a maximum of two terms, which is the limit allowed by the [[Constitution of the Maldives|constitution]].<ref name="constitution">{{Cite web |title=Constitution of the Maldives |url=https://storage.googleapis.com/presidency.gov.mv/Documents/ConstitutionOfMaldives.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413114335/https://storage.googleapis.com/presidency.gov.mv/Documents/ConstitutionOfMaldives.pdf |archive-date=13 April 2024 |access-date=13 April 2024 |website=[[The President's Office]] |page=51}}</ref><ref name="aceproject">{{cite web |title=Comparative Data — Maldives |url=https://aceproject.org/epic-en/CDCountry?country=MV |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002152513/https://aceproject.org/epic-en/CDCountry?country=MV |archive-date=2023-10-02 |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=[[ACE Electoral Knowledge Network|Ace Project]]}}</ref> The law and constitution of the Maldives grants its citizens the right to vote and run for public office at the age of 18.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Constitution of the Maldives |url=https://storage.googleapis.com/presidency.gov.mv/Documents/ConstitutionOfMaldives.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413114335/https://storage.googleapis.com/presidency.gov.mv/Documents/ConstitutionOfMaldives.pdf |archive-date=13 April 2024 |access-date=13 April 2024 |website=[[The President's Office]] |page=22}}</ref>


In the elections, the candidate who receives a majority (more than 50%) of the valid votes cast is elected president. If no candidate receives an outright majority, the election then proceeds to a [[Two-round system|runoff]] (or second round), which are mandated to be held no less than 21 days following the initial election day between the two front runners. The candidate who receives the majority of the vote is then elected president.<ref name="constitution"/><ref name="aceproject"/> The official results are announced by the Elections Commission and published in the government gazette within seven days of the voting day of the presidential elections.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Election Commission of Maldives |url=https://www.elections.gov.mv/en/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=Election Commission of Maldives |archive-date=2023-03-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306111327/https://www.elections.gov.mv/en/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In the elections, the candidate who receives a majority (more than 50%) of the valid votes cast is elected president. If no candidate receives an outright majority, the election then proceeds to a [[Two-round system|runoff]] (or second round), which are mandated to be held no less than 21 days following the initial election day between the two front runners. The candidate who receives the majority of the vote is then elected president.<ref name="aceproject"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Constitution of the Maldives |url=https://storage.googleapis.com/presidency.gov.mv/Documents/ConstitutionOfMaldives.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413114335/https://storage.googleapis.com/presidency.gov.mv/Documents/ConstitutionOfMaldives.pdf |archive-date=13 April 2024 |access-date=13 April 2024 |website=[[The President's Office]]}}</ref> The official results are announced by the Elections Commission and published in the government gazette within seven days of the voting day of the presidential elections.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Election Commission of Maldives |url=https://www.elections.gov.mv/en/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=Election Commission of Maldives |archive-date=2023-03-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306111327/https://www.elections.gov.mv/en/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Candidates==
==Candidates==
===Maldivian Democratic Party===
===Maldivian Democratic Party===
The [[Maldivian Democratic Party]] held primary elections to choose its presidential candidate on 28 January 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rehan |first=Mohamed |date=2022-12-18 |title=MDP Presidential Primary to be held on January 28, 2023 |url=http://edition.mv/maldives/26563 |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=The Edition |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221220555/https://edition.mv/maldives/26563 |url-status=live }}</ref> Nasheed accused Solih of trying to rig the presidential primary.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MDP's registry is rigged, primary election will not be fair: Nasheed |url=http://edition.mv/presidential_election_2023/26576 |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=The Edition |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221220643/https://edition.mv/presidential_election_2023/26576 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Chairperson of Maldivian Democratic Party, Fayyaz Ismail, defended the primaries, reiterating that they will be held in accordance with the party constitution.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MDP responds to Nasheed's concerns regarding party register |url=https://avas.mv/en/126105 |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=Avas |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220080301/https://avas.mv/en/126105 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The [[Maldivian Democratic Party]] held primary elections to choose its presidential candidate on 28 January 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rehan |first=Mohamed |date=18 December 2022 |title=MDP Presidential Primary to be held on January 28, 2023 |url=https://edition.mv/maldives/26563 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221220555/https://edition.mv/maldives/26563 |archive-date=21 December 2022 |access-date=21 December 2022 |work=[[The Edition]]}}</ref> Nasheed accused Solih of trying to rig the presidential primary.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Abdulla |first=Lamya |date=20 December 2022 |title=MDP's registry is rigged, primary election will not be fair: Nasheed |url=https://edition.mv/presidential_election_2023/26576 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221220643/https://edition.mv/presidential_election_2023/26576 |archive-date=21 December 2022 |access-date=21 December 2022 |work=[[The Edition]]}}</ref> The Chairperson of Maldivian Democratic Party, Fayyaz Ismail, defended the primaries, reiterating that they will be held in accordance with the party constitution.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 December 2022 |title=MDP responds to Nasheed's concerns regarding party register |url=https://avas.mv/en/126105 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220080301/https://avas.mv/en/126105 |archive-date=20 December 2022 |access-date=21 December 2022 |work=Avas}}</ref>


* [[Ibrahim Mohamed Solih]], incumbent [[President of the Maldives|president]] and leader of Maldivian Democratic Party.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-08 |title=President Solih announces candidacy for 2023 presidency |url=https://timesofaddu.com/2022/06/08/president-solih-announces-candidacy-for-2023-presidency/ |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=The Times of Addu |language=en-GB |archive-date=2022-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221220542/https://timesofaddu.com/2022/06/08/president-solih-announces-candidacy-for-2023-presidency/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Ibrahim Mohamed Solih]], incumbent [[President of the Maldives|president]] and leader of Maldivian Democratic Party.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yamani |first=Mohamed |date=8 June 2022 |title=President Solih announces candidacy for 2023 presidency |url=https://timesofaddu.com/2022/06/08/president-solih-announces-candidacy-for-2023-presidency/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221220542/https://timesofaddu.com/2022/06/08/president-solih-announces-candidacy-for-2023-presidency/ |archive-date=21 December 2022 |access-date=21 December 2022 |work=The Times of Addu}}</ref>
* [[Mohamed Nasheed]], incumbent speaker of the [[People's Majlis]], former Maldivian president, former president of Maldivian Democratic Party and leader of [[The Democrats (Maldives)|Democrats]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mohamed |first=Naizak |date=2022-12-18 |title=Nasheed announces intention to run in MDP's primary |url=https://en.sun.mv/79818 |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=SunOnline International |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221220545/https://en.sun.mv/79818 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Mohamed Nasheed]], the-then Speaker of the [[People's Majlis]], former Maldivian president, former president of Maldivian Democratic Party and leader of [[The Democrats (Maldives)|Democrats]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mohamed |first=Naizak |date=18 December 2022 |title=Nasheed announces intention to run in MDP’s primary |url=https://en.sun.mv/79818 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221220545/https://en.sun.mv/79818 |archive-date=21 December 2022 |access-date=21 December 2022 |work=Sun}}</ref>


{{Election results
{{Election results
|cand1=[[Ibrahim Mohamed Solih]]|votes1=19096
|cand1=[[Ibrahim Mohamed Solih]]|votes1=19096
|cand2=[[Mohamed Nasheed]]|votes2=12005
|cand2=[[Mohamed Nasheed]]|votes2=12005
|source=ThePrint<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/world/prez-ibrahim-solih-wins-maldivian-democratic-party-presidential-primary-gets-ticket/1340765/|title=Prez Ibrahim Solih wins Maldivian Democratic Party presidential primary, gets ticket|website=ThePrint|date=28 January 2023|access-date=29 January 2023|archive-date=4 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004134101/https://theprint.in/world/prez-ibrahim-solih-wins-maldivian-democratic-party-presidential-primary-gets-ticket/1340765/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|source=ThePrint<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 January 2023 |title=Prez Ibrahim Solih wins Maldivian Democratic Party presidential primary, gets ticket |url=https://theprint.in/world/prez-ibrahim-solih-wins-maldivian-democratic-party-presidential-primary-gets-ticket/1340765/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004134101/https://theprint.in/world/prez-ibrahim-solih-wins-maldivian-democratic-party-presidential-primary-gets-ticket/1340765/ |archive-date=4 October 2023 |access-date=29 January 2023 |work=[[ThePrint]]}}</ref>
}}
}}


==== Progressive Congress Coalition ====
==== Progressive Congress Coalition ====
Nominated by the [[Progressive Party of Maldives]] and [[People's National Congress (Maldives)|People's National Congress]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rehan |first=Mohamed |date=1 August 2022 |title=PPM/PNC nominates Yameen as presidential candidate |url=https://edition.mv/presidential_election_2023/25390 |website=The Edition |access-date=21 December 2022 |archive-date=21 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221220547/https://edition.mv/presidential_election_2023/25390 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Nominated by the [[Progressive Party of Maldives]] and [[People's National Congress (Maldives)|People's National Congress]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rehan |first=Mohamed |date=1 August 2022 |title=PPM/PNC nominates Yameen as presidential candidate |url=https://edition.mv/presidential_election_2023/25390 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221220547/https://edition.mv/presidential_election_2023/25390 |archive-date=21 December 2022 |access-date=21 December 2022 |work=[[The Edition]]}}</ref>


* [[Abdulla Yameen]], former president and leader of Progressive Party of Maldives.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-17 |title="PPM's presidential candidate for 2023 will be ex-president Yameen" |url=https://www.southasiamonitor.org/maldives/ppms-presidential-candidate-2023will-be-ex-president-yameen |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=South Asia Monitor |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221220543/https://www.southasiamonitor.org/maldives/ppms-presidential-candidate-2023will-be-ex-president-yameen |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Abdulla Yameen]], former president and leader of Progressive Party of Maldives.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 July 2020 |title=PPM's presidential candidate for 2023 will be ex-president Yameen |url=https://www.southasiamonitor.org/maldives/ppms-presidential-candidate-2023will-be-ex-president-yameen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221220543/https://www.southasiamonitor.org/maldives/ppms-presidential-candidate-2023will-be-ex-president-yameen |archive-date=21 December 2022 |access-date=21 December 2022 |work=South Asia Monitor}}</ref>


However, since the Maldivian Criminal Court sentenced former president Yameen to 11 years in prison,<ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=2022-12-25 |title=Maldives former president Yameen gets 11-year jail term |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/maldives-court-finds-former-president-yameen-guilty-corruption-2022-12-25/ |access-date=2023-07-18 |archive-date=2023-08-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816171213/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/maldives-court-finds-former-president-yameen-guilty-corruption-2022-12-25/ |url-status=live }}</ref> it would be a high chance that Elections Commission would disqualify Yameen in the presidential elections.
However, since the [[Criminal Court of the Maldives|Maldivian Criminal Court]] sentenced former president Yameen to 11 years in prison,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-12-25 |title=Maldives former president Yameen gets 11-year jail term |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/maldives-court-finds-former-president-yameen-guilty-corruption-2022-12-25/ |access-date=2023-07-18 |archive-date=2023-08-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816171213/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/maldives-court-finds-former-president-yameen-guilty-corruption-2022-12-25/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Yameen was disqualified from running the presidential election.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 August 2023 |title=Supreme Court upholds rejection of Yameen's candidacy |url=https://psmnews.mv/en/124384 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=PSM News}}</ref>


Nominated by [[People's National Congress (Maldives)|People's National Congress]]'s as a 'Backup' candidacy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://edition.mv/dr_mohamed_muizzu_mayor_male_city_council/28649|title=Dr. Muizzu announced as PNC's presidential candidate|website=The Edition|access-date=2023-08-03|archive-date=2023-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803130602/https://edition.mv/dr_mohamed_muizzu_mayor_male_city_council/28649|url-status=live}}</ref>
Nominated by [[People's National Congress (Maldives)|People's National Congress]]'s as a 'Backup' candidacy.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shahid |first=Malika |date=3 August 2023 |title=Dr. Muizzu announced as PNC's presidential candidate |url=https://edition.mv/dr_mohamed_muizzu_mayor_male_city_council/28649 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803130602/https://edition.mv/dr_mohamed_muizzu_mayor_male_city_council/28649 |archive-date=3 August 2023 |access-date=3 August 2023 |work=[[The Edition]]}}</ref>


* [[Mohamed Muizzu]], Mayor of [[Malé]] and former Minister of Housing and Infrastructure.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-03 |title=Muizz wins PNC ticket to contest as Yameen's 'backup' candidate |url=https://atolltimes.mv/post/news/4888 |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=atolltimes.mv |archive-date=2023-08-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803130422/https://atolltimes.mv/post/news/4888 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://malecity.gov.mv/en/council/mayor|title=Malé city council - Mayor|website=malecity.gov.mv|access-date=2023-08-06|archive-date=2023-03-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330232247/https://malecity.gov.mv/en/council/mayor|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Mohamed Muizzu]], the-then Mayor of [[Malé]] and former Minister of Housing and Infrastructure.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 August 2023 |title=Muizz wins PNC ticket to contest as Yameen's 'backup' candidate |url=https://atolltimes.mv/post/news/4888 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803130422/https://atolltimes.mv/post/news/4888 |archive-date=3 August 2023 |access-date=15 August 2023 |work=Atoll Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mayor of Male' |url=https://malecity.gov.mv/en/council/mayor |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330232247/https://malecity.gov.mv/en/council/mayor |archive-date=2023-03-30 |access-date=2023-08-06 |website=Male' City Council}}</ref>


PNC's president Abdul Raheem said that he would withdraw the candidacy if the Maldivian Supreme Court allowed Yameen to compete in the upcoming elections,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mvrepublic.com/news/dr-muizzu-wins-pnc-presidential-ticket/|title=Dr Muizzu Wins PNC Presidential Ticket|first=Ibrahim|last=Inaan|date=August 3, 2023|access-date=October 2, 2023|archive-date=October 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004134109/https://mvrepublic.com/news/dr-muizzu-wins-pnc-presidential-ticket/|url-status=live}}</ref> which ended up not happening.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Junayd |first=Mohamed |date=2023-08-06 |title=Maldives Supreme Court bars jailed ex-President Yameen from race |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/maldives-supreme-court-bars-jailed-ex-president-yameen-race-2023-08-06 |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=Reuters |archive-date=2023-08-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807064055/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/maldives-supreme-court-bars-jailed-ex-president-yameen-race-2023-08-06/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
PNC's president [[Abdul Raheem Abdulla|Abdul Raheem]] said that he would withdraw the candidacy if the [[Supreme Court of the Maldives|Maldivian Supreme Court]] allowed Yameen to compete in the upcoming elections,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Inaan |first=Ibrahim |date=9 August 2023 |title=Dr Muizzu Wins PNC Presidential Ticket |url=https://mvrepublic.com/news/dr-muizzu-wins-pnc-presidential-ticket/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004134109/https://mvrepublic.com/news/dr-muizzu-wins-pnc-presidential-ticket/ |archive-date=4 October 2023 |access-date=3 October 2023 |work=Maldives Republic}}</ref> which ended up not happening.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Junayd |first=Mohamed |date=6 August 2023 |title=Maldives Supreme Court bars jailed ex-President Yameen from race |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/maldives-supreme-court-bars-jailed-ex-president-yameen-race-2023-08-06/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807064055/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/maldives-supreme-court-bars-jailed-ex-president-yameen-race-2023-08-06/ |archive-date=7 August 2023 |access-date=3 August 2023 |work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref>


==== The Democrats ====
==== The Democrats ====
Nominated by [[The Democrats (Maldives)|The Democrats]], a newly formed political party from the rapidly unfolding power struggle between two pivotal figures in the [[Maldivian Democratic Party]] — incumbent president [[Ibrahim Mohamed Solih]] and former president [[Mohamed Nasheed]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ghafoor |first=Mimrah Abdul |date=2023-06-14 |title=Will 'The Democrats' Reconfigure the Maldives' Political Landscape? |url=https://southasianvoices.org/will-the-democrats-reconfigure-the-maldives-political-landscape/ |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=South Asian Voices |language=en |archive-date=2023-07-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726080211/https://southasianvoices.org/will-the-democrats-reconfigure-the-maldives-political-landscape/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Nominated by [[The Democrats (Maldives)|The Democrats]], a newly formed political party from the rapidly unfolding power struggle between two pivotal figures in the [[Maldivian Democratic Party]] — incumbent president [[Ibrahim Mohamed Solih]] and former president [[Mohamed Nasheed]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ghafoor |first=Mimrah Abdul |date=14 June 2023 |title=Will ‘The Democrats’ Reconfigure the Maldives’ Political Landscape? |url=https://southasianvoices.org/will-the-democrats-reconfigure-the-maldives-political-landscape/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726080211/https://southasianvoices.org/will-the-democrats-reconfigure-the-maldives-political-landscape/ |archive-date=26 July 2023 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=South Asian Voices}}</ref>


* [[Ilyas Labeeb]], [[Hulhudhoo (Addu)|Hulhudhoo]] 19th Parliament Member (MP) of the [[People's Majlis]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Members – People's Majlis of Maldives |url=https://majlis.gov.mv/en/19-parliament/members/166 |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=majlis.gov.mv |archive-date=2023-07-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726080213/https://majlis.gov.mv/en/19-parliament/members/166 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=VIDEO STORY – Riyaasee Vaahaka: Democrats ge riyaasee candidate Ilyas Labeeb {{!}} Dhauru |url=http://dhauru.com/post/video-story/20420 |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=dhauru.com |language=dv |archive-date=2023-07-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726110807/https://dhauru.com/post/video-story/20420 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Ilyas Labeeb]], [[Hulhumeedhoo|Hulhudhoo]] 19th [[Member of parliament|Parliament Member]] (MP) of the [[People's Majlis]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=19th Parliament Members - Ilyas Labeeb |url=https://majlis.gov.mv/en/19-parliament/members/166 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726080213/https://majlis.gov.mv/en/19-parliament/members/166 |archive-date=2023-07-26 |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=[[People's Majlis]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=26 July 2023 |title=ޑިމޮކްރެޓްސްގެ ރިޔާސީ ކެންޑިޑޭޓް އިލްޔާސް ލަބީބް |trans-title=Democrats' presidential candidate Ilyas Labeeb |url=https://dhauru.com/post/video-story/20420 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726110807/https://dhauru.com/post/video-story/20420 |archive-date=26 July 2023 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=Dhauru}}</ref>


==== Jumhooree Party ====
==== Jumhooree Party ====
Finalised by [[Jumhooree Party]]'s council meeting.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://maldivesvoice.mv/330|date=15 March 2023|title=Qasim to run as a candidate for election|website=Maldives Voice|access-date=15 March 2023|archive-date=15 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315174208/https://maldivesvoice.mv/330|url-status=live}}</ref>
Finalized by [[Jumhooree Party]]'s council meeting.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mahashin |first=Mariyam |date=15 March 2023 |title=Qasim to run as a candidate for election |url=https://maldivesvoice.mv/330 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315174208/https://maldivesvoice.mv/330 |archive-date=15 March 2023 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=Maldives Voice}}</ref>


* [[Qasim Ibrahim]], former Speaker of the [[People's Majlis]] and leader of Jumhooree Party.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vnews.mv/142534|title=ކުއްލި ޚަބަރު: ރިޔާސީ އިންތިޚާބުގައި ޖުމްހޫރީ ޕާޓީން ވާދަކުރަން ނިންމައިފި|website=VNews|date=14 March 2023|access-date=15 March 2023|archive-date=15 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315174910/https://www.vnews.mv/142534|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Qasim Ibrahim]], former Speaker of the [[People's Majlis]] and leader of Jumhooree Party.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shafa |date=14 March 2023 |title=ކުއްލި ޚަބަރު: ރިޔާސީ އިންތިޚާބުގައި ޖުމްހޫރީ ޕާޓީން ވާދަކުރަން ނިންމައިފި |trans-title=Breaking News: Jumhooree Party finishes discussing for Presidential Election |url=https://www.vnews.mv/142534 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315174910/https://www.vnews.mv/142534 |archive-date=15 March 2023 |access-date=15 March 2023 |work=Vnews |language=dv}}</ref>


==== Maldives National Party ====
==== Maldives National Party ====
Nominated by [[Maldives National Party]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=MP Nazim wins MNP presidential ticket by default |url=http://edition.mv/presidential_election_2023/26533 |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=The Edition |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221220646/https://edition.mv/presidential_election_2023/26533 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Nominated by [[Maldives National Party]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 December 2022 |title=MP Nazim wins MNP presidential ticket by default |url=https://edition.mv/presidential_election_2023/26533 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221220646/https://edition.mv/presidential_election_2023/26533 |archive-date=21 December 2022 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=[[The Edition]]}}</ref>


* [[Mohamed Nazim]], former Minister of Defence and National Security and leader of Maldives National Party.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Former Defense Minister announce possible presidential run |url=http://edition.mv/presidential_election_2023/25408 |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=The Edition |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221220555/https://edition.mv/presidential_election_2023/25408 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Mohamed Nazim]], former [[Ministry of Defence (Maldives)|Minister of Defence and National Security]] and leader of Maldives National Party.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rehan |first=Mohamed |date=2 August 2022 |title=Former Defense Minister announce possible presidential run |url=https://edition.mv/presidential_election_2023/25408 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221220555/https://edition.mv/presidential_election_2023/25408 |archive-date=21 December 2022 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=[[The Edition]]}}</ref>


==== Ahmed Faris Maumoon (independent candidate) ====
==== Ahmed Faris Maumoon (independent candidate) ====
Nominated by himself as an independent candidate.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MRM prepared to contest presidential election without coalition, says Faris |url=http://edition.mv/news/27468 |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=The Edition |language=en |archive-date=2023-07-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726080217/https://edition.mv/news/27468 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Nominated by himself as an independent candidate.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 March 2023 |title=MRM prepared to contest presidential election without coalition, says Faris |url=https://edition.mv/news/27468 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726080217/https://edition.mv/news/27468 |archive-date=26 July 2023 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=[[The Edition]]}}</ref>


* [[Ahmed Faris Maumoon]], MP for [[Dhiggaru (Meemu Atoll)|Dhiggaru]] MP constituency and the son of former president [[Maumoon Abdul Gayoom]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-23 |title=Faris Maumoon contesting in Presidential Elections |url=https://en.sun.mv/83741 |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=SunOnline International |language=en |archive-date=2023-07-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726080213/https://en.sun.mv/83741 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Ahmed Faris Maumoon]], MP for [[Dhiggaru (Meemu Atoll)|Dhiggaru]] constituency and the son of former president [[Maumoon Abdul Gayoom]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 July 2023 |title=Faris Maumoon contesting in Presidential Elections |url=https://en.sun.mv/83741 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726080213/https://en.sun.mv/83741 |archive-date=26 July 2023 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=Sun}}</ref>


==== Umar Naseer (independent candidate) ====
==== Umar Naseer (independent candidate) ====
Nominated himself as an independent candidate.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ex-home minister announces presidential bid {{!}} Atoll Times |url=https://atolltimes.mv/post/news/2219 |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=atolltimes.mv |language=en |archive-date=2023-07-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726080214/https://atolltimes.mv/post/news/2219 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Nominated himself as an independent candidate.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 February 2023 |title=Ex-home minister announces presidential bid |url=https://atolltimes.mv/post/news/2219 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726080214/https://atolltimes.mv/post/news/2219 |archive-date=26 July 2023 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=Atoll Times}}</ref>


* [[Umar Naseer]], former Minister of Home Affairs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Umar Naseer announces presidential bid to take Maldives in "A New Direction" |url=http://edition.mv/news/27033 |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=The Edition |language=en |archive-date=2023-07-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726080218/https://edition.mv/news/27033 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Umar Naseer]], former [[Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology (Maldives)#Ministers|Minister of Home Affairs]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 February 2023 |title=Umar Naseer announces presidential bid to take Maldives in "A New Direction" |url=https://edition.mv/news/27033 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726080218/https://edition.mv/news/27033 |archive-date=26 July 2023 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=[[The Edition]]}}</ref>


==== Hassan Zameel (independent candidate) ====
==== Hassan Zameel (independent candidate) ====
Nominated himself as an independent candidate.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zameel files candidacy, picks wife as running mate |url=https://en.sun.mv/83986 |access-date=2023-08-07 |website=sun.mv |language=en |archive-date=2023-08-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807152523/https://en.sun.mv/83986 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Nominated himself as an independent candidate.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 August 2023 |title=Zameel files candidacy, picks wife as running mate |url=https://en.sun.mv/83986 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807152523/https://en.sun.mv/83986 |archive-date=7 August 2023 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=Sun}}</ref>


* [[Hassan Zameel]], former Deputy Minister of Defense.
* [[Hassan Zameel]], former Deputy Minister of Defense.


==Campaign==
==Campaign==
A key campaign topic was the Maldives' position with respect to [[China]] and [[India]]. The incumbent [[Ibrahim Mohamed Solih]] campaigned on an "India-first" policy, aiming to strengthen ties with the Maldives' geographical and cultural neighbour. On the opposite side, [[Mohamed Muizzu]], adopting the slogan "India out", called for Indian military personnel stationed on the archipelago to leave, while campaigning for closer [[China-Maldives relations|relations with China]]. This kept in line with the policies of former president [[Abdulla Yameen]], founder of the [[People's National Congress (Maldives)|People's National Congress]], under whom the Maldives joined China's [[Belt and Road Initiative]].<ref name=bbc>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66972981|title=Maldives election: Pro-China candidate Muizzu wins presidency|journal=BBC|access-date=2023-10-01|archive-date=2023-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930221655/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66972981|url-status=live}}</ref>
A key campaign topic was the Maldives' position with respect to [[China]] and [[India]]. The incumbent [[Ibrahim Mohamed Solih]] campaigned on an "India-first" policy, aiming to strengthen ties with the Maldives' geographical and cultural neighbour. On the opposite side, [[Mohamed Muizzu]], adopting the slogan "India out", called for Indian military personnel stationed on the archipelago to leave, while campaigning for closer [[China-Maldives relations|relations with China]]. This kept in line with the policies of former president [[Abdulla Yameen]], founder of the [[People's National Congress (Maldives)|People's National Congress]], under whom the Maldives joined China's [[Belt and Road Initiative]].<ref name="bbc">{{cite news |last=Goksedef |first=Ece |date=1 October 2023 |title=Maldives election: Pro-China candidate Muizzu wins presidency |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66972981 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930221655/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66972981 |archive-date=2023-09-30 |access-date=2023-10-01 |journal=[[BBC]]}}</ref>


Muizzu also campaigned on freeing Yameen, at the time serving an 11-year prison sentence for bribery and money laundering, pushing for the former president to be transferred to house arrest. Jailed on the same island where he arrested several of his political opponents, Yameen had requested to be moved home for health reasons two weeks prior to the election's second round.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/01/pro-china-candidate-mohamed-muizzu-wins-maldives-presidency-upending-relationship-with-india|title=Pro-China candidate Mohamed Muizzu wins Maldives presidency, upending relationship with India|website=The Guardian|date=30 September 2023|agency=Agence France-Presse|access-date=1 October 2023|archive-date=1 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001085212/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/01/pro-china-candidate-mohamed-muizzu-wins-maldives-presidency-upending-relationship-with-india|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="edition">{{cite web |last=Shahid |first=Malika |date=2023-10-01 |title=Former president Yameen transferred home, supporters rejoice |url=https://edition.mv/news/29431 |website=The Edition |access-date=2023-10-01 |archive-date=2023-10-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002152514/https://edition.mv/news/29431 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Muizzu also campaigned on freeing Yameen, at the time serving an 11-year prison sentence for bribery and money laundering, pushing for the former president to be transferred to house arrest. Jailed on the same island where he arrested several of his political opponents, Yameen had requested to be moved home for health reasons two weeks prior to the election's second round.<ref>{{cite news |date=30 September 2023 |title=Pro-China candidate Mohamed Muizzu wins Maldives presidency, upending relationship with India |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/01/pro-china-candidate-mohamed-muizzu-wins-maldives-presidency-upending-relationship-with-india |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001085212/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/01/pro-china-candidate-mohamed-muizzu-wins-maldives-presidency-upending-relationship-with-india |archive-date=1 October 2023 |access-date=1 October 2023 |website=[[The Guardian]] |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]]}}</ref><ref name="edition">{{Cite news |last=Shahid |first=Malika |date=1 October 2023 |title=Former president Yameen transferred home, supporters rejoice |url=https://edition.mv/news/29431 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002152514/https://edition.mv/news/29431 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=[[The Edition]]}}</ref>


== Second round ==
== Second round ==
Muizzu won 46% of the votes in the first round, compared to 39% for Solih. Media sources attributed this result to rivalry between President Solih and former President [[Mohamed Nasheed]], whose chosen candidate [[Ilyas Labeeb]] won 7%. As neither Muizzu nor Solih received an absolute majority of the votes cast, a second round was scheduled for 30 September.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-09 |title=Maldives presidential election heading for 2nd round after no clear winner emerges |url=https://apnews.com/article/maldives-election-india-china-solih-muiz-47a5cd07488b4a6956e0728e2fca9fe3 |access-date=2023-10-06 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=2023-10-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006045554/https://apnews.com/article/maldives-election-india-china-solih-muiz-47a5cd07488b4a6956e0728e2fca9fe3 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Muizzu won 46% of the votes in the first round, compared to 39% for Solih. Media sources attributed this result to rivalry between President Solih and former President [[Mohamed Nasheed]], whose chosen candidate [[Ilyas Labeeb]] won 7%. As neither Muizzu nor Solih received an absolute majority of the votes cast, a second round was scheduled for 30 September.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sharuhan |first=Mohamed |date=10 September 2023 |title=Maldives presidential election heading for 2nd round after no clear winner emerges |url=https://apnews.com/article/maldives-election-india-china-solih-muiz-47a5cd07488b4a6956e0728e2fca9fe3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006045554/https://apnews.com/article/maldives-election-india-china-solih-muiz-47a5cd07488b4a6956e0728e2fca9fe3 |archive-date=6 October 2023 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=[[Associated Press|AP News]]}}</ref>


[[Umar Naseer]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 September 2023 |title=Umar Naseer decides not to endorse any candidate for second round |url=https://avas.mv/en/135830 |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=avas.mv |language=en |archive-date=2023-10-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005105918/https://avas.mv/en/135830 |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Ahmed Faris Maumoon]] did not endorse either candidate for the runoff.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 September 2023 |title=MRM chooses not to support any candidate in second round of Presidential Election |url=https://avas.mv/en/135762 |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=avas.mv |language=en |archive-date=2023-10-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002101030/https://avas.mv/en/135762 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Mohamed Nazim]] endorsed Muizzu.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 September 2023 |title=MNP endorses Dr.Muizzu for presidential runoff |url=https://avas.mv/en/135478 |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=avas.mv |language=en |archive-date=2023-10-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002095523/https://avas.mv/en/135478 |url-status=live }}</ref> While [[Qasim Ibrahim]] asked his supporters to vote as they pleased,<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 September 2023 |title=JP members can vote for the candidate of their choice: Qasim |url=https://avas.mv/en/135670 |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=avas.mv |language=en |archive-date=2023-10-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002101029/https://avas.mv/en/135670 |url-status=live }}</ref> his running mate Ameen Ibrahim and his party secretariat endorsed Solih.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 September 2023 |title=JP candidate's running mate and council members endorse Pres Solih |url=https://avas.mv/en/135875 |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=avas.mv |language=en |archive-date=2023-09-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925232022/https://avas.mv/en/135875 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[Umar Naseer]] and [[Ahmed Faris Maumoon]] did not endorse either candidate for the runoff.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 September 2023 |title=Umar Naseer decides not to endorse any candidate for second round |url=https://avas.mv/en/135830 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005105918/https://avas.mv/en/135830 |archive-date=5 October 2023 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=Avas}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=20 September 2023 |title=MRM chooses not to support any candidate in second round of Presidential Election |url=https://avas.mv/en/135762 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002101030/https://avas.mv/en/135762 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=Avas}}</ref> [[Mohamed Nazim]] endorsed Muizzu.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 September 2023 |title=MNP endorses Dr.Muizzu for presidential runoff |url=https://avas.mv/en/135478 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002095523/https://avas.mv/en/135478 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=Avas}}</ref> While [[Qasim Ibrahim]] asked his supporters to vote as they pleased,<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 September 2023 |title=JP members can vote for the candidate of their choice: Qasim |url=https://avas.mv/en/135670 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002101029/https://avas.mv/en/135670 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=Avas}}</ref> his running mate Ameen Ibrahim and his party secretariat endorsed Solih.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 September 2023 |title=JP candidate's running mate and council members endorse Pres Solih |url=https://avas.mv/en/135875 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925232022/https://avas.mv/en/135875 |archive-date=25 September 2023 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=Avas}}</ref>


==Results==
==Results==
Line 129: Line 129:
|invalid=4835|invalid2=7888
|invalid=4835|invalid2=7888
|electorate=282395|electorate2=282804
|electorate=282395|electorate2=282804
|image= [[File:2023 maldives election map first round.png|thumb|2023 maldives election map first round result by atoll]]
|source= [https://www.gazette.gov.mv/iulaan/257345 Elections Commission], [https://www.gazette.gov.mv/iulaan/259779 Elections Commission]
|source= [https://www.gazette.gov.mv/iulaan/257345 Elections Commission], [https://www.gazette.gov.mv/iulaan/259779 Elections Commission]
}}
}}


==Reactions==
==Reactions==
*{{flag|Maldives}} – Incumbent president [[Ibrahim Mohamed Solih]] conceded defeat, congratulating his opponent for his victory, as well as the Maldivian people for participating in a peaceful and democratic process.<ref name=bbc/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-01/maldives-presidential-election-pro-china-muizzu-wins/102921680|title=Pro-China opposition candidate Mohamed Muizzu wins Maldives presidential election|newspaper=ABC News|date=October 2023|access-date=2023-10-01|archive-date=2023-10-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001010716/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-01/maldives-presidential-election-pro-china-muizzu-wins/102921680|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flag|Maldives}} – Incumbent president [[Ibrahim Mohamed Solih]] conceded defeat, congratulating his opponent for his victory, as well as the Maldivian people for participating in a peaceful and democratic process.<ref name=bbc/><ref>{{cite news |date=1 October 2023 |title=Pro-China opposition candidate Mohamed Muizzu wins Maldives presidential election |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-01/maldives-presidential-election-pro-china-muizzu-wins/102921680 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001010716/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-01/maldives-presidential-election-pro-china-muizzu-wins/102921680 |archive-date=2023-10-01 |access-date=2023-10-01 |newspaper=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]}}</ref>
*{{flag|USA}} – US. Ambassador to the Maldives [[Hugo Yue-Ho Yon|Hugo Yon]] congratulated Muizzu, looking forward to working with the President-Elect to further strengthen [[Maldives–United States relations|U.S.-Maldives relations]] that began in 1966.
*{{flag|USA}} – [[List of ambassadors of the United States to Sri Lanka and the Maldives|US. Ambassador to the Maldives]] [[Hugo Yue-Ho Yon|Hugo Yon]] congratulated Muizzu, looking forward to working with the President-Elect to further strengthen [[Maldives–United States relations|U.S.-Maldives relations]] that began in 1966.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ambassador Yon Congratulates President Dr. Muizzu |url=https://mv.usmission.gov/slide/ambassador-yon-congratulates-president-dr-muizzu/ |website=United States Mission of the Maldives |publisher=United States Department of State |access-date=17 November 2023}}</ref>
*{{flag|Japan}} – The Japanese Embassy of Maldives congratulated Muizzu and Hussain, Japan expresses sincere wish for the peace & prosperity of the people of Maldives & reiterates their determination to working closely together to take [[Japan–Maldives relations|Japan-Maldives relations]] to greater heights.
*{{flag|Japan}} – The [[Embassy of Japan, Malé|Japanese Embassy of the Maldives]] congratulated Muizzu and Hussain, Japan expresses sincere wish for the peace and prosperity of the people of Maldives and reiterates their determination to working closely together to take [[Japan–Maldives relations|Japan-Maldives relations]] to greater heights.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Result of the Presidential Election in the Republic of Maldives (Statement by Press Secretary KobayashiMaki) |url=https://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/press1e_000464.html |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |access-date=6 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101040933/https://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/press1e_000464.html |archive-date=1 November 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flag|China}} – [[Xi Jinping|President Xi Jinping]] has extended a congratulatory message to Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the newly elected President of the Maldives, emphasizing the deep-rooted ties between [[China–Maldives relations|China-Maldives relations]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://themaldivesjournal.com/56242 |title=China's President Xi Jinping Congratulates Maldivian President-Elect Dr. Muizzu |access-date=2023-10-03 |archive-date=2023-10-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004134103/https://themaldivesjournal.com/56242 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://english.news.cn/20231003/b588dc7509fe436381187d5a130329fc/c.html |title=1st LD Writethru: Xi congratulates Muizzu on election as Maldives president-Xinhua |access-date=2023-10-03 |archive-date=2023-10-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004134154/https://english.news.cn/20231003/b588dc7509fe436381187d5a130329fc/c.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{flag|China}} – [[Xi Jinping|President Xi Jinping]] has extended a congratulatory message to Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the newly elected President of the Maldives, emphasizing the deep-rooted ties between [[China–Maldives relations|China-Maldives relations]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 October 2023 |title=China's President Xi Jinping Congratulates Maldivian President-Elect Dr. Muizzu |url=https://themaldivesjournal.com/56242 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004134103/https://themaldivesjournal.com/56242 |archive-date=4 October 2023 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=The Maldives Journal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=3 October 2023 |title=1st LD Writethru: Xi congratulates Muizzu on election as Maldives president |url=https://english.news.cn/20231003/b588dc7509fe436381187d5a130329fc/c.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004134154/https://english.news.cn/20231003/b588dc7509fe436381187d5a130329fc/c.html |archive-date=4 October 2023 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=[[Xinhua News Agency]]}}</ref>
*{{flag|India}} – [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] congratulated Muizzu and conveyed his "good wishes for the strengthening of democracy, peace and prosperity in the country."<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1708304499717369955|user=narendramodi|title=Congratulations and greetings to @MMuizzu on being elected as President of the Maldives.|first=Narendra|last=Modi|date=1 October 2023|access-date=17 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016185607/https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1708304499717369955|archive-date=16 October 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flag|India}} – [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] congratulated Muizzu and conveyed his "good wishes for the strengthening of democracy, peace and prosperity in the country."<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1708304499717369955|user=narendramodi|title=Congratulations and greetings to @MMuizzu on being elected as President of the Maldives.|first=Narendra|last=Modi|date=1 October 2023|access-date=17 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016185607/https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1708304499717369955|archive-date=16 October 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flag|Pakistan}} – The [[Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan|Caretaker Prime Minister]] [[Anwaar ul Haq Kakar|Anwar ul Haq Kakar]] congratulated Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on his victory in the presidential elections of Maldives. He further added that he was looking forward to working with him for further strengthening [[Maldives–Pakistan relations|Pak-Maldives relations]] and regional cooperation.
*{{flag|Pakistan}} – The [[Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan|Caretaker Prime Minister]] [[Anwaar ul Haq Kakar|Anwar ul Haq Kakar]] congratulated Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on his victory in the presidential elections of Maldives.<ref>{{cite news |title=PM felicitates Dr. Mohamed Muizzu over winning Maldives Presidential polls |url=https://www.radio.gov.pk/01-10-2023/pm-felicitates-dr-mohamed-muizzu-over-winning-maldives-presidential-polls |access-date=1 October 2023 |agency=Radio Pakistan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003014051/https://www.radio.gov.pk/01-10-2023/pm-felicitates-dr-mohamed-muizzu-over-winning-maldives-presidential-polls |archive-date=3 October 2023}}</ref> He further added that he was looking forward to working with him for further strengthening [[Maldives–Pakistan relations|Pak-Maldives relations]] and regional cooperation.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mohamed |first1=Naizak |title=Pakistan President and PM congratulate president-elect Muizzu |url=https://en.sun.mv/85057 |access-date=2 October 2023 |agency=Sun News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Pakistan PM Felicitates Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Winning the Maldives Presidential Elections |url=https://wenewsenglish.pk/pakistan-pm-felicitates-dr-mohamed-muizzu-on-winning-the-maldives-presidential-elections/ |access-date=2 October 2023 |agency=WE News}}</ref>
*{{flag|Saudi Arabia}} – [[Salman of Saudi Arabia|King Salman bin Abdulaziz]] and [[Mohammed bin Salman|Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman]], has sent a cable of congratulations to His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on the occasion of winning the presidential elections in the Republic of the Maldives.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spa.gov.sa/|title=HRH Crown Prince Congratulates Dr. Mohamed Muiz on Winning Presidential Elections of the Maldives|website=spa.gov.sa|access-date=2023-10-02|archive-date=2023-09-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928125525/https://www.spa.gov.sa/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spa.gov.sa/|title=Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Congratulates Dr. Mohamed Muiz on Winning Presidential Elections of the Maldives|website=spa.gov.sa|access-date=2023-10-02|archive-date=2023-09-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928125525/https://www.spa.gov.sa/|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flag|Saudi Arabia}} – [[Salman of Saudi Arabia|King Salman bin Abdulaziz]] and [[Mohammed bin Salman|Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman]], has sent a cable of congratulations to His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on the occasion of winning the presidential elections in the Republic of the Maldives.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 October 2023 |title=HRH Crown Prince Congratulates Dr. Mohamed Muiz on Winning Presidential Elections of the Maldives |url=https://spa.gov.sa/en/c8db20d882y |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413130242/https://spa.gov.sa/en/c8db20d882y |archive-date=13 April 2024 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=[[Saudi Press Agency]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1 October 2023 |title=Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Congratulates Dr. Mohamed Muiz on Winning Presidential Elections of the Maldives |url=https://spa.gov.sa/en/b20def7b92r |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=[[Saudi Press Agency]]}}</ref>
*{{flag|Morocco}} – The Moroccoan Embassy of Maldives congratulated President-Elect Muizzu and Vice President-Elect Hussain, looking forward to the bilateral ties to new heights increasing people and people connection between the two nations.
*{{flag|Morocco}} – The Moroccan Embassy of Maldives congratulated President-Elect Muizzu and Vice President-Elect Hussain, looking forward to the bilateral ties to new heights increasing people and people connection between the two nations.
*{{flag|Georgia}} – The Consulate of Georgia in Maldives sent a warmful congratulations to newly elected president Dr. Mohamed Muizzu <ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1708396730985939106|user=georgiamaldives|title=Congratulations to Dr @MMuizzu, the newly elected President of Maldives!|author=Consulate of Georgia Maldives|date=1 October 2023|access-date=17 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016190107/https://twitter.com/GeorgiaMaldives/status/1708396730985939106|archive-date=16 October 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flag|Georgia}} – The Consulate of Georgia in Maldives sent a warmful congratulations to newly elected president Dr. Mohamed Muizzu <ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1708396730985939106|user=georgiamaldives|title=Congratulations to Dr @MMuizzu, the newly elected President of Maldives!|author=Consulate of Georgia Maldives|date=1 October 2023|access-date=17 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016190107/https://twitter.com/GeorgiaMaldives/status/1708396730985939106|archive-date=16 October 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flag|Sri Lanka}} – [[Ranil Wickremesinghe|President Ranil Wickremesinghe]] extended his warm congratulations to Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the newly elected President of the Maldives, solidifying the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=93768|title=President Ranil congratulates new Maldivian President; hopes for stronger bilateral ties|website=www.adaderana.lk|access-date=2023-10-01|archive-date=2023-10-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004134107/https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=93768|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flag|Sri Lanka}} – [[Ranil Wickremesinghe|President Ranil Wickremesinghe]] extended his warm congratulations to Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the newly elected President of the Maldives, solidifying the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 October 2023 |title=President Ranil congratulates new Maldivian President; hopes for stronger bilateral ties |url=https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=93768 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004134107/https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=93768 |archive-date=4 October 2023 |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=Ada Derana}}</ref>


==Aftermath==
==Aftermath==
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[[Category:September 2023 events in Asia|Maldives]]
[[Category:September 2023 events in Asia|Maldives]]
[[Category:Presidential elections in the Maldives]]
[[Category:Presidential elections in the Maldives]]
[[Category:Mohamed Muizzu presidency]]

Latest revision as of 04:56, 11 January 2025

2023 Maldivian presidential election
← 2018 9 September 2023 (first round)
30 September 2023 (second round)		 2028 →
Turnout79.85% (first round)
87.31% (second round)
 
Nominee Mohamed Muizzu Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
Party PNC MDP
Running mate Hussain Mohamed Latheef Mohamed Aslam
States carried 18 + Malé 2
Popular vote 129,159 109,868
Percentage 54.04% 45.96%
Second round results by atoll
President before election

Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
MDP

Elected President

Mohamed Muizzu
PNC

Presidential elections were held in the Maldives on Saturday, 9 September 2023, with a second round held on 30 September.[1] Incumbent president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was seeking re-election, after defeating the-then Speaker of the People's Majlis Mohamed Nasheed in the Maldivian Democratic Party primaries.[2] People's National Congress candidate and Malé mayor Mohamed Muizzu won the election with 54% of the votes, defeating Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and becoming President-elect of the Maldives.[3][4] It was the fourth consecutive election in which a Maldivian president failed to win reelection, the last to do so having been Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who ran unopposed, in 2003.[5]

Background

[edit]

Former president Abdulla Yameen of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) had announced his candidacy for president, but due to his sentencing in 2018 to 11 years in prison for corruption and money laundering due to his connection to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation scandal he is ineligible to appear on the ballot. PPM's vice president Mohamed Muizzu purportedly ran on his behalf as a nominee of the PNC, which he also joined before the election. Abdulla Yameen opted to support Muizzu's candidacy after previously calling for a boycott of the election.[6]

Former Minister of Defence and National Security, Mohamed Nazim of the Maldives National Party announced his candidacy for president. The Jumhooree Party announced that they will put forth candidates as well. Ilyas Labeeb of the newly formed The Democrats nominated himself as a candidate for president. Independents Ahmed Faris Maumoon, son of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Umar Naseer and Hassan Zameel also announced their candidacies for president. This presidential election had the most recorded candidates since the first direct contested election in 2008, where six candidates participated.[7]

As no candidate received over 50% of the vote in the first round, the top two finishers, Muizzu and incumbent Solih, moved on to a runoff.

Electoral system

[edit]

The Maldives has a presidential system of government where the president is both the head of state and government. The president is elected via direct-vote every five years and can only be elected for a maximum of two terms, which is the limit allowed by the constitution.[8][9] The law and constitution of the Maldives grants its citizens the right to vote and run for public office at the age of 18.[10]

In the elections, the candidate who receives a majority (more than 50%) of the valid votes cast is elected president. If no candidate receives an outright majority, the election then proceeds to a runoff (or second round), which are mandated to be held no less than 21 days following the initial election day between the two front runners. The candidate who receives the majority of the vote is then elected president.[9][11] The official results are announced by the Elections Commission and published in the government gazette within seven days of the voting day of the presidential elections.[12]

Candidates

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Maldivian Democratic Party

[edit]

The Maldivian Democratic Party held primary elections to choose its presidential candidate on 28 January 2023.[13] Nasheed accused Solih of trying to rig the presidential primary.[14] The Chairperson of Maldivian Democratic Party, Fayyaz Ismail, defended the primaries, reiterating that they will be held in accordance with the party constitution.[15]

CandidateVotes%
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih19,09661.40
Mohamed Nasheed12,00538.60
Total31,101100.00
Source: ThePrint[18]

Progressive Congress Coalition

[edit]

Nominated by the Progressive Party of Maldives and People's National Congress.[19]

However, since the Maldivian Criminal Court sentenced former president Yameen to 11 years in prison,[21] Yameen was disqualified from running the presidential election.[22]

Nominated by People's National Congress's as a 'Backup' candidacy.[23]

PNC's president Abdul Raheem said that he would withdraw the candidacy if the Maldivian Supreme Court allowed Yameen to compete in the upcoming elections,[26] which ended up not happening.[27]

The Democrats

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Nominated by The Democrats, a newly formed political party from the rapidly unfolding power struggle between two pivotal figures in the Maldivian Democratic Party — incumbent president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and former president Mohamed Nasheed.[28]

Jumhooree Party

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Finalized by Jumhooree Party's council meeting.[31]

Maldives National Party

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Nominated by Maldives National Party.[33]

Ahmed Faris Maumoon (independent candidate)

[edit]

Nominated by himself as an independent candidate.[35]

Umar Naseer (independent candidate)

[edit]

Nominated himself as an independent candidate.[37]

Hassan Zameel (independent candidate)

[edit]

Nominated himself as an independent candidate.[39]

Campaign

[edit]

A key campaign topic was the Maldives' position with respect to China and India. The incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih campaigned on an "India-first" policy, aiming to strengthen ties with the Maldives' geographical and cultural neighbour. On the opposite side, Mohamed Muizzu, adopting the slogan "India out", called for Indian military personnel stationed on the archipelago to leave, while campaigning for closer relations with China. This kept in line with the policies of former president Abdulla Yameen, founder of the People's National Congress, under whom the Maldives joined China's Belt and Road Initiative.[40]

Muizzu also campaigned on freeing Yameen, at the time serving an 11-year prison sentence for bribery and money laundering, pushing for the former president to be transferred to house arrest. Jailed on the same island where he arrested several of his political opponents, Yameen had requested to be moved home for health reasons two weeks prior to the election's second round.[41][42]

Second round

[edit]

Muizzu won 46% of the votes in the first round, compared to 39% for Solih. Media sources attributed this result to rivalry between President Solih and former President Mohamed Nasheed, whose chosen candidate Ilyas Labeeb won 7%. As neither Muizzu nor Solih received an absolute majority of the votes cast, a second round was scheduled for 30 September.[43]

Umar Naseer and Ahmed Faris Maumoon did not endorse either candidate for the runoff.[44][45] Mohamed Nazim endorsed Muizzu.[46] While Qasim Ibrahim asked his supporters to vote as they pleased,[47] his running mate Ameen Ibrahim and his party secretariat endorsed Solih.[48]

Results

[edit]
2023 maldives election map first round result by atoll
CandidateRunning matePartyFirst roundSecond round
Votes%Votes%
Mohamed MuizzuHussain Mohamed LatheefPeople's National Congress101,63546.06129,15954.04
Ibrahim Mohamed SolihMohamed AslamMaldivian Democratic Party86,16139.05109,86845.96
Ilyas LabeebHussain AmrThe Democrats15,8397.18
Umar NaseerMaaz SaleemIndependent6,3432.87
Qasim IbrahimAmeen IbrahimJumhooree Party5,4602.47
Ahmed Faris MaumoonAbdul Sattar YoosufIndependent2,9791.35
Mohamed NazimAhmed Adheel NaseerMaldives National Party1,9070.86
Hassan ZameelMariyam AleemIndependent3270.15
Total220,651100.00239,027100.00
Valid votes220,65197.86239,02796.81
Invalid/blank votes4,8352.147,8883.19
Total votes225,486100.00246,915100.00
Registered voters/turnout282,39579.85282,80487.31
Source: Elections Commission, Elections Commission

Reactions

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Aftermath

[edit]

On the day following the election, Mohamed Muizzu's demands for the liberation of Abdulla Yameen were successful, with the former president being transferred to house arrest.[42]

References

[edit]
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