Male, April 7 (Maldives Independent): The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is headed towards a historic win with nearly two-thirds of the 87-seat parliament. With more than half of ballot boxes counted, MDP candidates are projected to win 59 seats.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed, appears to have won the newly-created Central Machchangoalhi seat in the capital.
This is the first time a single party has been voted to power since democracy was established in the Maldives in 2008.
According to Mihaaru, with 119 out of 501 ballot boxes counted, MDP candidates are leading in 51 constituencies, followed by independents in seven constituencies, opposition Progressive Party of Maldives-People’s National Congress in five constituencies, Jumhooree Party candidates in seven constituency, Maldives Development Alliance candidates in two constituencies, and Adhaalath Party candidates in two constituencies.
Some candidates have also conceded to their rivals on social media, including incumbent MP Faris Maumoon and Aminath Nadira from former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s Maldives Reform Movement.
Yameen Refrains From Voting
Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom did not vote in Saturday’s parliamentary election, it has been confirmed.
According to multiple sources, the former president had informed officials of his parties that he will not be voting in the election. President Yameen is registered to vote for Macchangolhi North constituency, for which a candidate of his party, PPM also contested. His nephew and former Dhiggaru MP, Faris Maumoon also contested for the seat in addition to former German Ambassador Jameela Ali.
After being held under state custody over money laundering charges, President Yameen was recently released by the High Court. The opposition leader did not take part in any campaign events of his party candidates, although he did address his supporters via telephone.