How to Rig an Election (in the Maldives)

The Maldives is weeks away from a presidential election that could return it to democracy or nudge it towards dictatorship, with the poll following months of political turmoil and controversy.

President Abdulla Yameen has targeted his opponents to ensure they pose no threat to him on September 23, and his administration is facing down censure and sanctions to press on with a poll it insists will be free and fair.

The opposition has accused the ruling party of colluding with the Elections Commission, which has in recent months denied allegations of voter fraud and stealing votes from the nation’s resort workers.