2023 Maldivian presidential election
 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| Turnout | 79.85% (first round) 87.31% (second round) | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||||||
 Second round results by atoll | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
.jpg)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
||
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[edit]
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]
- Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, incumbent president and leader of Maldivian Democratic Party.[16]
- Mohamed Nasheed, the-then Speaker of the People's Majlis, former Maldivian president, former president of Maldivian Democratic Party and leader of Democrats.[17]
| Candidate | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| Ibrahim Mohamed Solih | 19,096 | 61.40 |
| Mohamed Nasheed | 12,005 | 38.60 |
| Total | 31,101 | 100.00 |
| Source: ThePrint[18] | ||
Progressive Congress Coalition[edit]
Nominated by the Progressive Party of Maldives and People's National Congress.[19]
- Abdulla Yameen, former president and leader of Progressive Party of Maldives.[20]
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]
- Mohamed Muizzu, the-then Mayor of Malé and former Minister of Housing and Infrastructure.[24][25]
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[edit]
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]
- Ilyas Labeeb, Hulhudhoo 19th Parliament Member (MP) of the People's Majlis.[29][30]
Jumhooree Party[edit]
Finalized by Jumhooree Party's council meeting.[31]
- Qasim Ibrahim, former Speaker of the People's Majlis and leader of Jumhooree Party.[32]
Maldives National Party[edit]
Nominated by Maldives National Party.[33]
- Mohamed Nazim, former Minister of Defence and National Security and leader of Maldives National Party.[34]
Ahmed Faris Maumoon (independent candidate)[edit]
Nominated by himself as an independent candidate.[35]
- Ahmed Faris Maumoon, MP for Dhiggaru constituency and the son of former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.[36]
Umar Naseer (independent candidate)[edit]
Nominated himself as an independent candidate.[37]
- Umar Naseer, former Minister of Home Affairs.[38]
Hassan Zameel (independent candidate)[edit]
Nominated himself as an independent candidate.[39]
- Hassan Zameel, former Deputy Minister of Defense.
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]
| Candidate | Running mate | Party | First round | Second round | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Votes | % | ||||
| Mohamed Muizzu | Hussain Mohamed Latheef | People's National Congress | 101,635 | 46.06 | 129,159 | 54.04 | |
| Ibrahim Mohamed Solih | Mohamed Aslam | Maldivian Democratic Party | 86,161 | 39.05 | 109,868 | 45.96 | |
| Ilyas Labeeb | Hussain Amr | The Democrats | 15,839 | 7.18 | |||
| Umar Naseer | Maaz Saleem | Independent | 6,343 | 2.87 | |||
| Qasim Ibrahim | Ameen Ibrahim | Jumhooree Party | 5,460 | 2.47 | |||
| Ahmed Faris Maumoon | Abdul Sattar Yoosuf | Independent | 2,979 | 1.35 | |||
| Mohamed Nazim | Ahmed Adheel Naseer | Maldives National Party | 1,907 | 0.86 | |||
| Hassan Zameel | Mariyam Aleem | Independent | 327 | 0.15 | |||
| Total | 220,651 | 100.00 | 239,027 | 100.00 | |||
| Valid votes | 220,651 | 97.86 | 239,027 | 96.81 | |||
| Invalid/blank votes | 4,835 | 2.14 | 7,888 | 3.19 | |||
| Total votes | 225,486 | 100.00 | 246,915 | 100.00 | |||
| Registered voters/turnout | 282,395 | 79.85 | 282,804 | 87.31 | |||
| Source: Elections Commission, Elections Commission | |||||||
Reactions[edit]
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.[40][49]
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.[50][51]
India – Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Muizzu and conveyed his "good wishes for the strengthening of democracy, peace and prosperity in the country."[52]
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.[53][54]
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 [55]
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.[56]
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]
- ^ "Maldives to hold 2023 presidential election on September 9". Sun. 15 January 2023. Archived from the original on 13 February 2023. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Sharuhan, Mohamed (1 October 2023). "Maldives opposition candidate Mohamed Muiz wins the presidential runoff, local media say". AP News. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Radhakrishnan, R.K. (5 September 2023). "Can Maldivian President Ibu Solih defy the odds and secure a second term?". Frontline. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
- ^ "Yameen changes mind, extends support for Muizzu". One. 7 August 2023. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
- ^ "Maldives Presidential Election to be held on Sept 9". Avas. 15 January 2023. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
- ^ "Constitution of the Maldives" (PDF). The President's Office. p. 51. Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 April 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ a b "Comparative Data — Maldives". Ace Project. Archived from the original on 2023-10-02. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ^ "Constitution of the Maldives" (PDF). The President's Office. p. 22. Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 April 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "Constitution of the Maldives" (PDF). The President's Office. Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 April 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "Election Commission of Maldives". Election Commission of Maldives. Archived from the original on 2023-03-06. Retrieved 2023-03-06.
- ^ Rehan, Mohamed (18 December 2022). "MDP Presidential Primary to be held on January 28, 2023". The Edition. Archived from the original on 21 December 2022. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
- ^ Abdulla, Lamya (20 December 2022). "MDP's registry is rigged, primary election will not be fair: Nasheed". The Edition. Archived from the original on 21 December 2022. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
- ^ "MDP responds to Nasheed's concerns regarding party register". Avas. 20 December 2022. Archived from the original on 20 December 2022. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
- ^ Yamani, Mohamed (8 June 2022). "President Solih announces candidacy for 2023 presidency". The Times of Addu. Archived from the original on 21 December 2022. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
- ^ Mohamed, Naizak (18 December 2022). "Nasheed announces intention to run in MDP's primary". Sun. Archived from the original on 21 December 2022. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
- ^ "Prez Ibrahim Solih wins Maldivian Democratic Party presidential primary, gets ticket". ThePrint. 29 January 2023. Archived from the original on 4 October 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "PPM's presidential candidate for 2023 will be ex-president Yameen". South Asia Monitor. 17 July 2020. Archived from the original on 21 December 2022. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Supreme Court upholds rejection of Yameen's candidacy". PSM News. 6 August 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ Shahid, Malika (3 August 2023). "Dr. Muizzu announced as PNC's presidential candidate". The Edition. Archived from the original on 3 August 2023. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
- ^ "Muizz wins PNC ticket to contest as Yameen's 'backup' candidate". Atoll Times. 3 August 2023. Archived from the original on 3 August 2023. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ "Mayor of Male'". Male' City Council. Archived from the original on 2023-03-30. Retrieved 2023-08-06.
- ^ Inaan, Ibrahim (9 August 2023). "Dr Muizzu Wins PNC Presidential Ticket". Maldives Republic. Archived from the original on 4 October 2023. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
- ^ Junayd, Mohamed (6 August 2023). "Maldives Supreme Court bars jailed ex-President Yameen from race". Reuters. Archived from the original on 7 August 2023. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
- ^ Ghafoor, Mimrah Abdul (14 June 2023). "Will 'The Democrats' Reconfigure the Maldives' Political Landscape?". South Asian Voices. Archived from the original on 26 July 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "19th Parliament Members - Ilyas Labeeb". People's Majlis. Archived from the original on 2023-07-26. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
- ^ "ޑިމޮކްރެޓްސްގެ ރިޔާސީ ކެންޑިޑޭޓް އިލްޔާސް ލަބީބް" [Democrats' presidential candidate Ilyas Labeeb]. Dhauru. 26 July 2023. Archived from the original on 26 July 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ Mahashin, Mariyam (15 March 2023). "Qasim to run as a candidate for election". Maldives Voice. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ Shafa (14 March 2023). "ކުއްލި ޚަބަރު: ރިޔާސީ އިންތިޚާބުގައި ޖުމްހޫރީ ޕާޓީން ވާދަކުރަން ނިންމައިފި" [Breaking News: Jumhooree Party finishes discussing for Presidential Election]. Vnews (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
- ^ "MP Nazim wins MNP presidential ticket by default". The Edition. 15 December 2022. Archived from the original on 21 December 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ Rehan, Mohamed (2 August 2022). "Former Defense Minister announce possible presidential run". The Edition. Archived from the original on 21 December 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "MRM prepared to contest presidential election without coalition, says Faris". The Edition. 20 March 2023. Archived from the original on 26 July 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "Faris Maumoon contesting in Presidential Elections". Sun. 23 July 2023. Archived from the original on 26 July 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "Ex-home minister announces presidential bid". Atoll Times. 4 February 2023. Archived from the original on 26 July 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "Umar Naseer announces presidential bid to take Maldives in "A New Direction"". The Edition. 4 February 2023. Archived from the original on 26 July 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "Zameel files candidacy, picks wife as running mate". Sun. 7 August 2023. Archived from the original on 7 August 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ a b Goksedef, Ece (1 October 2023). "Maldives election: Pro-China candidate Muizzu wins presidency". BBC. Archived from the original on 2023-09-30. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ^ "Pro-China candidate Mohamed Muizzu wins Maldives presidency, upending relationship with India". The Guardian. Agence France-Presse. 30 September 2023. Archived from the original on 1 October 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
- ^ a b Shahid, Malika (1 October 2023). "Former president Yameen transferred home, supporters rejoice". The Edition. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ Sharuhan, Mohamed (10 September 2023). "Maldives presidential election heading for 2nd round after no clear winner emerges". AP News. Archived from the original on 6 October 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "Umar Naseer decides not to endorse any candidate for second round". Avas. 22 September 2023. Archived from the original on 5 October 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "MRM chooses not to support any candidate in second round of Presidential Election". Avas. 20 September 2023. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "MNP endorses Dr.Muizzu for presidential runoff". Avas. 12 September 2023. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "JP members can vote for the candidate of their choice: Qasim". Avas. 18 September 2023. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "JP candidate's running mate and council members endorse Pres Solih". Avas. 24 September 2023. Archived from the original on 25 September 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "Pro-China opposition candidate Mohamed Muizzu wins Maldives presidential election". ABC News. 1 October 2023. Archived from the original on 2023-10-01. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ^ "China's President Xi Jinping Congratulates Maldivian President-Elect Dr. Muizzu". The Maldives Journal. 3 October 2023. Archived from the original on 4 October 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "1st LD Writethru: Xi congratulates Muizzu on election as Maldives president". Xinhua News Agency. 3 October 2023. Archived from the original on 4 October 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ Modi, Narendra [@narendramodi] (October 1, 2023). "Congratulations and greetings to @MMuizzu on being elected as President of the Maldives" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 17 October 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ "HRH Crown Prince Congratulates Dr. Mohamed Muiz on Winning Presidential Elections of the Maldives". Saudi Press Agency. 1 October 2023. Archived from the original on 13 April 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Congratulates Dr. Mohamed Muiz on Winning Presidential Elections of the Maldives". Saudi Press Agency. 1 October 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ Consulate of Georgia Maldives [@georgiamaldives] (October 1, 2023). "Congratulations to Dr @MMuizzu, the newly elected President of Maldives!" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 17 October 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ "President Ranil congratulates new Maldivian President; hopes for stronger bilateral ties". Ada Derana. 1 October 2023. Archived from the original on 4 October 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.