The Election Commission of Maldives on Monday declared opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih of the Maldivian Democratic Party as the winner of the presidential election in the country that has been gripped by political upheaval.

Video: Maldives opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih wins presidential poll

Veteran Maldives lawmaker Ibrahim Mohamed Solih overcame the detention and exile of key opposition figures to win a weekend presidential poll and unseat incumbent Abdulla Yameen, but now faces the task of holding together a disparate coalition.

New Maldives President Solih: A reformer who must hold together a diverse coalition

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

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

Former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed on Friday asked India to exert its influence to ensure a free and fair election in the country as he fears that September 23 presidential polls could be rigged.

Former Maldivian president Nasheed asks India to ensure free and fair election