As the preliminary results pour in, it’s becoming evident that the Maldives presidential election of 2023 is heading for a runoff. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the candidate from the People’s National Congress (PNC)/Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), is currently leading the race with 44.9% of the vote, amassing 92,841 ballots. Current President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, representing the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), follows closely behind with 38.4% of the vote, securing 79,436 votes.
With 543 out of 574 vote boxes counted, the outcome signals that neither candidate has reached the crucial 50% threshold to win the election outright. According to the election rules, when no candidate receives more than 50% of the valid votes cast, the election proceeds to a second round, also known as a runoff, which will take place no less than 21 days following the initial election.
One notable aspect of this election is the strikingly low voter turnout. Only 75.61% of eligible voters, out of a total of 282,395, exercised their right to vote. This marks the lowest voter turnout in Maldivian presidential election history.
The current preliminary results, with some votes yet to be counted, are as follows:
- Dr. Mohamed Muizzu (PPM/PNC) – 44.9%
- Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (MDP) – 38.4%
- Ilyas Labeeb (The Democrats) – 6.9%
- Umar Naseer (Independent) – 2.8%
- Gasim Ibrahim (JP) – 2.4%
- Faris Maumoon (Independent) – 1.3%
- Mohamed Nazim (MNP) – 0.8%
- Hassan Zameel (Independent) – 0.2%
The preliminary results have set the stage for a runoff, presenting a significant upset for the current President, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). In a race initially considered favorable to the incumbent, the results have taken an unforeseen turn.
The Maldives Elections Commission is expected to announce the official results within seven days, which will confirm the election will indeed proceed to a second round and provide more detailed statistics on the voter turnout and final vote count.
