The interim results of the first ever Maldives multiparty Presidential election held on Wednesday, 8th October 2008, were announced on Thursday by the Interim Elections Commission. Contesting in the election were 6 candidates, 5 of whom were from different political parties. One was an independent candidate.
According to figures released by the Interim Elections Commission, 208,252 Maldivians were eligible to vote in the election.
President Gayoom of the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party secured 40.62% of the 177,802 ballots cast, while Mr. Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldivian Democratic Party obtained 25.07% and Dr. Hassan Saeed, the independent candidate received 16.78% of the votes. Mr. Gasim Ibrahim of Jumhooree Party had 15.35% of the votes while Mr. Umar Naseer of the Islamic Democratic Party and Mr. Ibrahim Ismail of the Social Liberal Party had 1.40% and 0.78% respectively.
The voter turnout stood at nearly 80 per cent.
Under the Maldives new constitution that was ratified by President Gayoom in August this year, the Presidential winner shall have more than 50% of the ballots cast, failing which there shall be a runoff between the two leading candidates.
The Interim Elections Commission has announced that a runoff election will be held on Wednesday, 29th October 2008.
