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==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|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|USA}} – US. Ambassador to the Maldives 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}} – 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|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 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|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 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>

Revision as of 06:51, 6 October 2023

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
Popular vote 129,159 109,868
Percentage 54.04% 45.96%
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 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

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

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]

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.[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.[8]

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.[10]

Candidates

Confirmed

Maldivian Democratic Party

The Maldivian Democratic Party held primary elections to choose its presidential candidate on 28 January 2023.[11] Nasheed accused Solih of trying to rig the presidential primary.[12] The Chairperson of Maldivian Democratic Party, Fayyaz Ismail, defended the primaries, reiterating that they will be held in accordance with the party constitution.[13]

CandidateVotes%
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih19,09661.40
Mohamed Nasheed12,00538.60
Total31,101100.00
Source: ThePrint[16]

Progressive Congress Coalition

Nominated by the Progressive Party of Maldives and People's National Congress.[17]

However, since the Maldivian Criminal Court sentenced former president Yameen to 11 years in prison,[19] it would be a high chance that Elections Commission would disqualify Yameen in the presidential elections.

Nominated by People's National Congress's as a 'Backup' candidacy.[20]

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,[23] which ended up not happening.[24]

The Democrats

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.[25]

Jumhooree Party

Finalised by Jumhooree Party's council meeting.[28]

Maldives National Party

Nominated by Maldives National Party.[30]

  • Mohamed Nazim, former Minister of Defence and National Security and leader of Maldives National Party.[31]

Ahmed Faris Maumoon (independent candidate)

Nominated by himself as an independent candidate.[32]

Umar Naseer (independent candidate)

Nominated himself as an independent candidate.[34]

Hassan Zameel (independent candidate)

Nominated himself as an independent candidate.[36]

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 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.[37]

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.[38][39]

Results

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

  •  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.[37][40]
  •  USA – US. Ambassador to the Maldives Hugo Yon congratulated Muizzu, looking forward to working with the President-Elect to further strengthen U.S.-Maldives relations that began in 1966.
  •  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 to greater heights.
  •  China – 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.[41] [42]
  •  India – Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Muizzu and conveyed his "good wishes for the strengthening of democracy, peace and prosperity in the country."
  •  Pakistan – The Caretaker Prime Minister 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 Pak-Maldives relations and regional cooperation.
  •  Saudi Arabia – King Salman bin Abdulaziz and 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. [43] [44]
  •  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.
  •  Georgia – The Consulate of Georgia in Maldives sent a warmful congratulations to newly elected president Dr. Mohamed Muizzu [45]
  •  Sri Lanka – 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. [46]

Aftermath

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.[39]

References

  1. ^ "Maldives to hold 2023 presidential election on September 9". Maldives Sun. 15 January 2023. Archived from the original on 13 February 2023. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
  2. ^ Junayd, Mohamed (2023-01-29). "Maldives President Solih wins presidential primary, party says". Reuters. Archived from the original on 2023-03-06. Retrieved 2023-03-06.
  3. ^ "Maldives opposition candidate Mohamed Muiz wins the presidential runoff, local media say". AP News. 30 September 2023. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  4. ^ Mohamed, Maahil; Mashal, Mujib (30 September 2023). "Maldives President Is Defeated, in Vote Overshadowed by India and China". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  5. ^ Radhakrishnan, R. K. (September 5, 2023). "Can Maldivian President Ibu Solih defy the odds and secure a second term?". Frontline. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  6. ^ "Yameen changes mind, extends support for Muizzu". One Online. Archived from the original on 2023-10-02. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
  7. ^ "Maldives Presidential Election to be held on Sept 9". Avas. Archived from the original on 2023-03-06. Retrieved 2023-03-06.
  8. ^ a b c "Constitution of Maldives – The President's Office". presidency.gov.mv. Archived from the original on 2023-08-04. Retrieved 2023-08-04.
  9. ^ a b "Comparative Data — Maldives". Ace Project. Archived from the original on 2023-10-02. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
  10. ^ "Election Commission of Maldives". Election Commission of Maldives. Archived from the original on 2023-03-06. Retrieved 2023-03-06.
  11. ^ Rehan, Mohamed (2022-12-18). "MDP Presidential Primary to be held on January 28, 2023". The Edition. Archived from the original on 2022-12-21. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
  12. ^ "MDP's registry is rigged, primary election will not be fair: Nasheed". The Edition. Archived from the original on 2022-12-21. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
  13. ^ "MDP responds to Nasheed's concerns regarding party register". Avas. Archived from the original on 2022-12-20. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
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  17. ^ Rehan, Mohamed (1 August 2022). "PPM/PNC nominates Yameen as presidential candidate". The Edition. Archived from the original on 21 December 2022. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
  18. ^ ""PPM's presidential candidate for 2023 will be ex-president Yameen"". South Asia Monitor. 2020-07-17. Archived from the original on 2022-12-21. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
  19. ^ "Maldives former president Yameen gets 11-year jail term". Reuters. 2022-12-25. Archived from the original on 2023-08-16. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
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  22. ^ "Malé city council - Mayor". malecity.gov.mv. Archived from the original on 2023-03-30. Retrieved 2023-08-06.
  23. ^ Inaan, Ibrahim (August 3, 2023). "Dr Muizzu Wins PNC Presidential Ticket". Archived from the original on October 4, 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  24. ^ Junayd, Mohamed (2023-08-06). "Maldives Supreme Court bars jailed ex-President Yameen from race". Reuters. Archived from the original on 2023-08-07. Retrieved 2023-08-15.
  25. ^ Ghafoor, Mimrah Abdul (2023-06-14). "Will 'The Democrats' Reconfigure the Maldives' Political Landscape?". South Asian Voices. Archived from the original on 2023-07-26. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  26. ^ "Members – People's Majlis of Maldives". majlis.gov.mv. Archived from the original on 2023-07-26. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  27. ^ "VIDEO STORY – Riyaasee Vaahaka: Democrats ge riyaasee candidate Ilyas Labeeb | Dhauru". dhauru.com (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 2023-07-26. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  28. ^ "Qasim to run as a candidate for election". Maldives Voice. 15 March 2023. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  29. ^ "ކުއްލި ޚަބަރު: ރިޔާސީ އިންތިޚާބުގައި ޖުމްހޫރީ ޕާޓީން ވާދަކުރަން ނިންމައިފި". VNews. 14 March 2023. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  30. ^ "MP Nazim wins MNP presidential ticket by default". The Edition. Archived from the original on 2022-12-21. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
  31. ^ "Former Defense Minister announce possible presidential run". The Edition. Archived from the original on 2022-12-21. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
  32. ^ "MRM prepared to contest presidential election without coalition, says Faris". The Edition. Archived from the original on 2023-07-26. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  33. ^ "Faris Maumoon contesting in Presidential Elections". SunOnline International. 2023-07-23. Archived from the original on 2023-07-26. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  34. ^ "Ex-home minister announces presidential bid | Atoll Times". atolltimes.mv. Archived from the original on 2023-07-26. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  35. ^ "Umar Naseer announces presidential bid to take Maldives in "A New Direction"". The Edition. Archived from the original on 2023-07-26. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  36. ^ "Zameel files candidacy, picks wife as running mate". sun.mv. Archived from the original on 2023-08-07. Retrieved 2023-08-07.
  37. ^ a b "Maldives election: Pro-China candidate Muizzu wins presidency". BBC. Archived from the original on 2023-09-30. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
  38. ^ France-Presse, Agence (30 September 2023). "Pro-China candidate Mohamed Muizzu wins Maldives presidency, upending relationship with India". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 1 October 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
  39. ^ a b Shahid, Malika (2023-10-01). "Former president Yameen transferred home, supporters rejoice". The Edition. Archived from the original on 2023-10-02. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
  40. ^ "Pro-China opposition candidate Mohamed Muizzu wins Maldives presidential election". ABC News. October 2023. Archived from the original on 2023-10-01. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
  41. ^ "China's President Xi Jinping Congratulates Maldivian President-Elect Dr. Muizzu". Archived from the original on 2023-10-04. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  42. ^ "1st LD Writethru: Xi congratulates Muizzu on election as Maldives president-Xinhua". Archived from the original on 2023-10-04. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  43. ^ "HRH Crown Prince Congratulates Dr. Mohamed Muiz on Winning Presidential Elections of the Maldives". spa.gov.sa. Archived from the original on 2023-09-28. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  44. ^ "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Congratulates Dr. Mohamed Muiz on Winning Presidential Elections of the Maldives". spa.gov.sa. Archived from the original on 2023-09-28. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  45. ^ https://twitter.com/GeorgiaMaldives/status/1708396730985939106
  46. ^ "President Ranil congratulates new Maldivian President; hopes for stronger bilateral ties". www.adaderana.lk. Archived from the original on 2023-10-04. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
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