Maldives President Abdullah Yameen has conceded defeat at the Presidential elections held yesterday in which opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has emerged victorious. In a live address to the nation, Mr. Yameen said that Maldivian people made their decision yesterday and he has accepted that result. Mr. Yameen said he will remain in his post till his term ends on November 17.
Earlier, the election commission declared Mr. Solih winner in the provisional results which gave him 134,616 votes against 96,132 votes by incumbent President. Mr. Solih declared victory last night after preliminary counting terming it as a moment of happiness, hope and history. He said that it has been a difficult journey for many that led to prison cells or exile but pledged to be a president for all Maldivians, regardless of who they voted for. Meanwhile, opposition supporters took out rallies and processions to celebrate the victory while several countries including US and India have come forward to welcome the election results. US state department while congratulating the people of Maldives said they peacefully raised their democratic voices to determine the future of their country.
According to reports that Mr. Solih in his victory address mentioned that it has been a difficult journey for many that led to prison cells and exile. President Yameen, after his reelection in in 2013, had gradually eased out all main opposition leaders by framing charges against them. Mr. Solih, currently Member of Parliament, was chosen as consensus candidate after other names including former President Mohammed Nasheed, were disqualified. Whatever may be the future policies of new government, it is clear that democracy has got deep-rooted in the country with this election.
