Maldives at a crossroads after the elections: The Maldives held its presidential elections on September 9. They did not produce a clear verdict, so a second circular will be held on September 30. [09/09/2023]

The opposition candidate, Mohamed Muiz, came to the forefront of the race, gaining over 46% of support. The incumbent president, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, despite erstwhile forecasts indicating him as the favorite, received only 39% of the votes. The elections in the Maldives are not only a competition between 2 candidates, but besides between 2 superpowers: India and China. President Solih is closer to fresh Delhi, and the opposition candidate maintains close ties with Beijing.