Statement by the International Republican Institute on Presidential Election in the Maldives

Washington, DC—The International Republican Institute (IRI) issued the following statement on the recent presidential election in the Maldives, held on September 23, 2018:

“IRI congratulates the people of the Maldives on the conduct of the recent presidential election.

“The estimated turnout nationwide was 89.2 percent, and the Election Commission announced that provisional results show the opposition’s candidate, Ibrahim Solih, won with 58.3 percent of the vote. Incumbent President Abdulla Yameen has publicly conceded and promised to step down by November 2018.

“Despite initial fears of electoral violence, domestic observers reported only a few isolated cases of violence throughout the day. Less than one percent of ballot papers were disputed by candidates or party observers during the counting process, a positive indicator for the Maldives’ electoral integrity.”

“Reports of voter and candidate intimidation and the possibility of violence raised serious concerns about the integrity of these elections,” said IRI President Daniel Twining. “The people of the Maldives defied these scare tactics and peacefully exercised their democratic right to determine the future direction of their country.”

“The provisional results announced by the Election Commission are expected to be made official within the next week. During this period, international and domestic observers will continue to monitor the post-election environment to ensure that it continues to be free and fair. As the election process concludes, IRI urges calm and respect for the will of the Maldivian people.”