Maldives' opposition leader declares election victory

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The Maldives Elections Commission on Monday said that, according to provisional results from the presidential polls, opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had won the election after securing 58.3 percent votes.

According to the total provisional results released by the commission, Solih had secured 134,616 votes, about 1.4 times the votes secured by incumbent President Abdulla Yameen.

The total number of votes were over 230,000 while the overall voter turnout was nearly 90 percent, the highest recorded in recent years.

The Maldives' Foreign Ministry later acknowledged the election result on Twitter.

Supporters of Maldivian joint-opposition presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih celebrate on the street at the end of the presidential election day in Male, Sept. 24, 2018. /VCG Photo

Yameen conceded defeat in elections on Monday and said he would arrange a smooth transition for president-elect Solih.

"I have accepted the results from yesterday," Yameen said in a televised address to the nation after Sunday's election.

"The Maldivian people have decided what they want. I have accepted the results from yesterday. Earlier today, I met with Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who the Maldivian electorate has chosen to be their next president. I have congratulated him," he added.

Yameen said he would remain in office till Nov. 17 when his five-year term ends but would allow a smooth transition.

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen casts his vote at a polling station during the presidential election in Male, Sept. 23, 2018. /VCG Photo

Before the election commission's announcement, Solih already declared victory.

"This is a moment of happiness, a moment of hope. This is a journey that has ended at the ballot box because the people willed it," Solih told reporters early Monday in Male.

"The message is loud and clear. The people of Maldives want change, peace, and justice. I would like to call on President Yameen to accept the will of the people and begin a smooth transition of power as per the constitution."

Veteran lawmaker Solih is known for his calm composure. He was nominated in July by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) as its presidential candidate after former president Mohamed Nasheed withdrew.

The Elections Commission will announce the final official results within the coming seven days.

Source(s): AFP ,Reuters ,Xinhua News Agency