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

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

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

The Maldives presidential election will be held on September 23, 2018. Current president Abdulla Yameen will be bidding for a second five-year term, while the opposition Democratic Party has put up veteran lawmaker Ibrahim "Ibu" Mohamed Solih as its presidential candidate.

Country file of Maldives ahead of presidential election on September 23

A majority of resorts and hotels in the island nation are facing over 40 per cent room cancellations per day, which directly affect the employees

Unrest in Maldives: Tourism industry witnesses large-scale layoffs

Joint Opposition spokesperson Ahmed Mahloof 'we are very worried that MPs are getting lots of threats, especially from officials within government. According to the constitution, we should be given security round the clock'

Maldives crisis: Opposition MPs receiving death threats