Maldives To Hold Presidential Election On Sunday Amid Transparency Concerns

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd September, 2018) The presidential election is taking place in the Maldives on Sunday amid opposition's and human rights watchdogs' concerns over the transparency of the vote.

The president of the Maldives is elected directly by the people for a five-year term through a two-round system, meaning that if neither candidate wins the absolute majority of votes in the first round, a run-off would take place.

The post is contested by two candidates, including incumbent President Abdulla Yameen, leading the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), and lawmaker Ibrahim Mohamed Solih representing the Joint Opposition Coalition of the Maldives.

The country's opposition and watchdogs have been criticizing the government for trying to silence dissent in the country and restricting the freedom of the media, arguing that it would raise legitimacy concerns after the election.