Opposition Candidate Solih Wins President Election In Maldives With 58% Of Votes - Reports

Opposition lawmaker Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, representing the Joint Opposition Coalition of the Maldives, won the Sunday presidential election in the Maldives, receiving over 58 percent of votes after 100 percent of ballots were counted, local Mihaaru news outlet reported Monday.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th September, 2018) Opposition lawmaker Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, representing the Joint Opposition Coalition of the Maldives, won the Sunday presidential election in the Maldives, receiving over 58 percent of votes after 100 percent of ballots were counted, local Mihaaru news outlet reported Monday.

Solih got more than 134,000 votes and beat the country's incumbent President Abdulla Yameen, who leads the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

Earlier in the day, media reported that Solih publicly declared his victory before the results came in.

The results of the election were welcomed by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

"We welcome the successful completion of the third Presidential election process in the Maldives which, according to preliminary information, Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has won. We heartily congratulate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on his victory and hope that the Election Commission will officially confirm the result at the earliest," the ministry said in a statement.

According to the statement, the election indicated the Maldives' commitment to the values of democracy and rule of law.

"This election marks not only the triumph of democratic forces in the Maldives, but also reflects the firm commitment to the values of democracy and the rule of law. In keeping with our 'Neighbourhood First' Policy, India looks forward to working closely with the Maldives in further deepening our partnership," the ministry added.

The election was held on Sunday amid opposition's and human rights watchdogs' concerns over the transparency of the vote, who have also been criticizing the government for allegedly trying to silence dissent in the country and restricting the freedom of the media.

The situation in the Maldives has remained tense since the 2011-2012 crisis, which resulted in the resignation of then-President Mohamed Nasheed.