Maldives election a two-horse race

Unlike the past two elections – when run-offs were needed as none of the multiple candidates secured above 50 percent – the outcome will be decided in the first round.

Of the three who applied by the August 10 deadline, the Elections Commission has accepted the candidacies of the president and opposition parliament leader, and rejected the application of a little-known businessman who sought to contest as an independent.

After announcing their intention to contest, former home minister Umar Naseer and former Local Government Authority vice president Shujau Hussain decided to sit out this year’s race.