The strongman leader of the Maldives on Monday conceded defeat in the presidential election, easing fears of a fresh political crisis in the archipelago at the centre of a battle for influence between India and China.

Relief as Maldives strongman Abdulla Yameen concedes defeat

Opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has taken a 15 percentage point lead over incumbent Abdulla Yameen in the Maldives' presidential election, according to early provisional counts reported by local media.

Opposition candidate takes early lead in Maldives Presidential election

Hundreds of Maldivians were headed to polling booths on Sunday as voting began in a controversial presidential election amid fears that the process has been rigged in China-friendly strongman Abdulla Yameen's favour.

Hundreds of Maldivians vote in controversial presidential poll

Back when he was a mild-mannered civil servant, few in the Maldives predicted Abdulla Yameen would one day run the country, let alone with an iron grip, locking up judges, his rivals and even his 80-year-old half-brother.

Abdulla Yameen, unlikely Maldives strongman

Polling booths in the Maldives closed Sunday after three hours of extended voting in a controversial election marred by police raids on the opposition and allegations of vote rigging in favour of president Abdulla Yameen.

Polls close in Maldives after heavy turnout: Official

The Maldives -- a country of 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean best known for its white beaches and blue lagoons -- is voting on Sunday in a presidential election.

Paradise, power and polls: Five questions as Maldives vote

Opposition supporters in the Maldives are demanding that officials ensure a free and fair presidential election, as the country prepares to vote in an election seen as a referendum on whether democracy will stay.

Maldivian authorities assure free vote amid fears of rigging