A Maldives opposition leader has returned home after being exiled in Germany for months to escape a prison sentence on charges of plotting to overthrow the government.

Qasim Ibrahim was welcomed at the airport on Thursday by President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Ibrahim was among dozens of political opponents who were jailed by outgoing strongman Yameen Abdul Gayoom following trials criticized for lack of due process. He went into exile in Germany after undergoing heart surgery in Singapore.

He is the first exiled opposition leader to return home after Yameen's election defeat last month. Mohamed Nasheed, the country's first democratically elected president, is set to return next month.

Ibrahim was arrested last year and sentenced to more than three years in prison.

A Maldives opposition leader has returned home after being exiled in Germany for months to escape a prison sentence on charges of plotting to overthrow the government.

A Maldives opposition leader has returned home after being exiled in Germany for months to escape a prison sentence on charges of plotting to overthrow the government. Qasim Ibrahim was welcomed at the airport on Thursday by President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Ibrahim was among dozens of political opponents who were jailed by outgoing strongman Yameen Abdul Gayoom following trials criticized for lack of due process. He went into exile in Germany after undergoing heart surgery in Singapore. He is the first exiled opposition leader to return home after Yameen's election defeat last month. Mohamed Nasheed, the country's first democratically elected president, is set to return next month. Ibrahim was arrested last year and sentenced to more than three years in prison.

Maldives opposition leader returns from exile in Germany

The recent defeat of pro-China government in Maldives has added to the list of the nations who have developed an anti-China rhetoric in South Asia.

Amid rising concerns that the country may fall into a debt trap, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, during the election campaign, had assured the people that his government would review Chinese investment.

The Maldives, which moved closer to China since 2013 after Abdulla Yameen took to power, had received significant grants and loan from China's Belt and Road Initiative. The Island nation also renovated the international airport in the capital of Male and a bridge connecting the airport to town with the help of funds from China.

While the new government in the Maldives seems to reassess its relation with China due to its immense financial assistance, Solih, at the same time, is expected to improve its ties with India.

Two other Muslim majority nations in the subcontinent had also fought elections with a promise to keep a check on China's growing influence in their countries.

China's great ambition to emerge as one of the biggest economies has compelled it to invest billions of dollars in the development project in South Asia.

To maintain its stronghold over the subcontinent, China has initiated projects in several South Asian countries.&nbsp;

One of such projects was recently struck down in Malaysia after the new government assumed office in May.

The change of power in Malaysia after May 9 elections, which swept aside the government of Najib Razak and reinstated Mahathir Mohamad, has eliminated China backed energy pipeline and a rain project along peninsular Malaysia's eastern coast to reduce the national debt that grew under Najib's rule.&nbsp;

The projects were part of China's ambitious "Belt and Road", but Mahathir said the deals undertaken by Najib were too costly and unfair to Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the recent reports from Pakistan have hinted on the country's growing uneasiness with the China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Imran Khan has assured greater transparency with the country's project with China and promised that the contracts with Beijing would be made public.

Expressing concern over the deals with China, his government said the agreement was "badly negotiated" and overly favoured China. 
&nbsp; 
The reports suggest that Pakistan which is reeling under massive debt may rethink its position on the Chinese Silk Road.&nbsp;

Pakistani officials say they remain committed to Chinese investment but want to negotiate on price and affordability.

But in a setback to Islamabad's desire, Beijing is only willing to review projects that have not yet begun, Reuters reported.

Debt-ridden Pakistan may find it very difficult to renegotiate its deal with China as it has already taken massive loans from Beijing. Also, Pakistan's worsening relations with the US may force it to bow down before the demands of Beijing.

In a recent meeting held in Beijing in August, China clarified that the new governments in Malaysia, Pakistan and Maldives were free to decide if they would want to continue with Chinese investment in the projects. It also added that the countries should be ready to compensate for the debts borrowed from China in case they retreat from the projects.

Despite the rising apprehension for China among the South Asian countries, the Dragon may never want to lose its supremacy over the subcontinent. It will try to maintain its grip over the countries through its massive debt trap.

As seen in the case of Sri Lanka where it had to sell its Hambantota Port to China after it failed to clear off the funds that China had been pumping into the country for years.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The recent defeat of pro-China government in Maldives has added to the list of the nations who have developed an anti-China rhetoric in South Asia. Amid rising concerns that the country may fall into a debt trap, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, during the election campaign, had assured the people that his government would review Chinese investment.

The recent defeat of pro-China government in Maldives has added to the list of the nations who have developed an anti-China rhetoric in South Asia. Amid rising concerns that the country may fall into a debt trap, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, during the election campaign, had assured the people that his government would review Chinese investment. The Maldives, which moved closer to China since 2013 after Abdulla Yameen took to power, had received significant grants and loan from China's Belt and Road Initiative. The Island nation also renovated the international airport in the capital of Male and a bridge connecting the airport to town with the help of funds from China. While the new government in the Maldives seems to reassess its relation with China due to its immense financial assistance, Solih, at the same time, is expected to improve its ties with India. Two other Muslim majority nations in the subcontinent had also fought elections with a promise to keep a check on China's growing influence in their countries. China's great ambition to emerge as one of the biggest economies has compelled it to invest billions of dollars in the development project in South Asia. To maintain its stronghold over the subcontinent, China has initiated projects in several South Asian countries. One of such projects was recently struck down in Malaysia after the new government assumed office in May. The change of power in Malaysia after May 9 elections, which swept aside the government of Najib Razak and reinstated Mahathir Mohamad, has eliminated China backed energy pipeline and a rain project along peninsular Malaysia's eastern coast to reduce the national debt that grew under Najib's rule. The projects were part of China's ambitious "Belt and Road", but Mahathir said the deals undertaken by Najib were too costly and unfair to Malaysia. Meanwhile, the recent reports from Pakistan have hinted on the country's growing uneasiness with the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Imran Khan has assured greater transparency with the country's project with China and promised that the contracts with Beijing would be made public. Expressing concern over the deals with China, his government said the agreement was "badly negotiated" and overly favoured China. The reports suggest that Pakistan which is reeling under massive debt may rethink its position on the Chinese Silk Road. Pakistani officials say they remain committed to Chinese investment but want to negotiate on price and affordability. But in a setback to Islamabad's desire, Beijing is only willing to review projects that have not yet begun, Reuters reported. Debt-ridden Pakistan may find it very difficult to renegotiate its deal with China as it has already taken massive loans from Beijing. Also, Pakistan's worsening relations with the US may force it to bow down before the demands of Beijing. In a recent meeting held in Beijing in August, China clarified that the new governments in Malaysia, Pakistan and Maldives were free to decide if they would want to continue with Chinese investment in the projects. It also added that the countries should be ready to compensate for the debts borrowed from China in case they retreat from the projects. Despite the rising apprehension for China among the South Asian countries, the Dragon may never want to lose its supremacy over the subcontinent. It will try to maintain its grip over the countries through its massive debt trap. As seen in the case of Sri Lanka where it had to sell its Hambantota Port to China after it failed to clear off the funds that China had been pumping into the country for years. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Is South Asia losing faith in China? 

The president-elect of the Maldives has scored another victory by securing a majority in Parliament after the Elections Commission restored 12 lawmakers who were earlier deemed to have lost their seats.

Ibrahim Mohamed Solih won last month's presidential election and is to be sworn in next month.

The restoration of the lawmakers Wednesday in line with a Supreme Court order is a sign that Solih is consolidating his victory against outgoing strongman Yameen Abdul Gayoom, who appears to be losing his grip on state institutions.

Solih's opposition coalition will now have 43 members in the 85-member Parliament while Yameen's party will have 40.

The Elections Commission announced last year that the 12 lawmakers had lost their seats after they joined the opposition when the ruling party split.&nbsp;

The president-elect of the Maldives has scored another victory by securing a majority in Parliament after the Elections Commission restored 12 lawmakers who were earlier deemed to have lost their seats.

The president-elect of the Maldives has scored another victory by securing a majority in Parliament after the Elections Commission restored 12 lawmakers who were earlier deemed to have lost their seats. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih won last month's presidential election and is to be sworn in next month. The restoration of the lawmakers Wednesday in line with a Supreme Court order is a sign that Solih is consolidating his victory against outgoing strongman Yameen Abdul Gayoom, who appears to be losing his grip on state institutions. Solih's opposition coalition will now have 43 members in the 85-member Parliament while Yameen's party will have 40. The Elections Commission announced last year that the 12 lawmakers had lost their seats after they joined the opposition when the ruling party split.

Maldives president-elect Mohamed Solih gains control of Parliament

The outgoing strongman president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, faced allegations Tuesday that he received nearly $1.5 million in illicit payments just before his surprise election defeat last month.

The allegations that two cash deposits were made into a private account in Yameen's name came to light after local media reported that the Maldivian Monetary Authority (MMA) had lodged a police complaint.

Yameen's spokesman Ibrahim Muaz Ali denied any wrongdoing, saying that Yameen maintained a separate account to receive election campaign funding. He did not confirm or deny the amount of any deposits received.

Muaz said the governor of the MMA had assured the president that there was no wrongdoing and that the bank's Financial Intelligence Unit had withdrawn their complaint to the police.

"President Yameen assures the people that his campaign had been conducted in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations," Muaz said, adding that no campaign funds had been received from abroad.

Yameen relied heavily on China for political and financial support in the nation of 340,000 Sunni Muslims, triggering concern in India, which has long been influential in the Maldivian politics and the economy.

Beijing has been competing with New Delhi for influence in the region.&nbsp;

In neighbouring Sri Lanka, police are investigating allegations that former president Mahinda Rajapakse received millions of dollars in campaign funds from a Chinese state owned company in 2015.

Just before the Maldives' September 23 election, a corruption watchdog alleged that Yameen accepted lavish gifts from a billionaire developer who was later leased two islands in the paradise archipelago without bidding for them.

Yameen, whose five-year tenure was marked by the jailing of all his key rivals, has denied any involvement in the alleged island-leasing scam, which first came to light in a 2016 investigation by the Al Jazeera television channel.

The main opposition candidate, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who defeated Yameen in last month’s election, has asked him to ensure a smooth transition when he is due to take over on November 17. 
&nbsp;

The outgoing strongman president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, faced allegations Tuesday that he received nearly $1.5 million in illicit payments just before his surprise election defeat last month.

The outgoing strongman president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, faced allegations Tuesday that he received nearly $1.5 million in illicit payments just before his surprise election defeat last month. The allegations that two cash deposits were made into a private account in Yameen's name came to light after local media reported that the Maldivian Monetary Authority (MMA) had lodged a police complaint. Yameen's spokesman Ibrahim Muaz Ali denied any wrongdoing, saying that Yameen maintained a separate account to receive election campaign funding. He did not confirm or deny the amount of any deposits received. Muaz said the governor of the MMA had assured the president that there was no wrongdoing and that the bank's Financial Intelligence Unit had withdrawn their complaint to the police. "President Yameen assures the people that his campaign had been conducted in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations," Muaz said, adding that no campaign funds had been received from abroad. Yameen relied heavily on China for political and financial support in the nation of 340,000 Sunni Muslims, triggering concern in India, which has long been influential in the Maldivian politics and the economy. Beijing has been competing with New Delhi for influence in the region. In neighbouring Sri Lanka, police are investigating allegations that former president Mahinda Rajapakse received millions of dollars in campaign funds from a Chinese state owned company in 2015. Just before the Maldives' September 23 election, a corruption watchdog alleged that Yameen accepted lavish gifts from a billionaire developer who was later leased two islands in the paradise archipelago without bidding for them. Yameen, whose five-year tenure was marked by the jailing of all his key rivals, has denied any involvement in the alleged island-leasing scam, which first came to light in a 2016 investigation by the Al Jazeera television channel. The main opposition candidate, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who defeated Yameen in last month’s election, has asked him to ensure a smooth transition when he is due to take over on November 17.

Maldives strongman leader Abdulla Yameen 'received $1.5 million': Report

Former Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on Tuesday thanked prime minister Narendra Modi for his "strong support" and his telephone call.&nbsp;

PM Modi phoned the former president days after his release from jail on bail.&nbsp;

Gayoom took to Twitter and said: "Thank you Excellency PM @narendramodi for your telephone call today and for your strong support for our democratic process. I am particularly grateful for the kind sentiments you have expressed about me personally."

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Thank you Excellency PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> for your telephone call today and for your strong support for our democratic process. I am particularly grateful for the kind sentiments you have expressed about me personally.
— Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) <a href="https://twitter.com/maumoonagayoom/status/1047102107994619904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He was released from jail on Sunday, a week after his estranged half-brother suffered a shock electoral defeat, raising hopes that other high profile political prisoners could soon have their convictions overturned.

Gayoom, 80, and his legislator son Faris Maumoon, were released on bail by the High Court in Male, a week after strongman Abdulla Yameen's spectacular loss at the polls in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation.

He was arrested in February along with the country's Chief Justice and another Supreme Court judge on a charge of attempting to topple Yameen. He declared a 45-day state of emergency to block impeachment.

Gayoom was serving a 19-month jail term for obstruction of justice and was also under trial on a "terrorism" charge when the High Court ordered his release. The ex-leader had bail set at 60,000 rufiyaa (US $3,900) and his son Faris at 40,000 rufiyaa, and they were ordered not to travel abroad without the court's permission.

Former Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on Tuesday thanked prime minister Narendra Modi for his "strong support" and his telephone call. PM Modi phoned the former president days after his release from jail on bail.

Former Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on Tuesday thanked prime minister Narendra Modi for his "strong support" and his telephone call. PM Modi phoned the former president days after his release from jail on bail. Gayoom took to Twitter and said: "Thank you Excellency PM @narendramodi for your telephone call today and for your strong support for our democratic process. I am particularly grateful for the kind sentiments you have expressed about me personally." Thank you Excellency PM @narendramodi for your telephone call today and for your strong support for our democratic process. I am particularly grateful for the kind sentiments you have expressed about me personally. — Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) October 2, 2018 × He was released from jail on Sunday, a week after his estranged half-brother suffered a shock electoral defeat, raising hopes that other high profile political prisoners could soon have their convictions overturned. Gayoom, 80, and his legislator son Faris Maumoon, were released on bail by the High Court in Male, a week after strongman Abdulla Yameen's spectacular loss at the polls in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation. He was arrested in February along with the country's Chief Justice and another Supreme Court judge on a charge of attempting to topple Yameen. He declared a 45-day state of emergency to block impeachment. Gayoom was serving a 19-month jail term for obstruction of justice and was also under trial on a "terrorism" charge when the High Court ordered his release. The ex-leader had bail set at 60,000 rufiyaa (US $3,900) and his son Faris at 40,000 rufiyaa, and they were ordered not to travel abroad without the court's permission.

PM Modi calls former Maldives president Gayoom days after his release on bail 

A week afterlosing the elctions, Maldives President Abdulla Yameen called for nationwide protests over alleged vote rigging until the Elecion Commission addresses the situation, reports said.

Results from Sunday's election released by the electoral commission showed Yameen on 41.7 per cent of the vote, well behind Solih on 58.3 per cent -- the only other name on ballot papers.&nbsp;

There had been concerns at home and abroad that Yameen might not accept the outcome. He had borrowed hundreds of millions of dollars from China for an infrastructure blitz, to the alarm of the Maldives' traditional backer India.

The result was a major surprise, with Yameen's main political rivals either in prison or in exile, media coverage of the opposition sparse and monitors and the opposition predicting the vote would be rigged.

At two press briefings earlier in the day, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) lawmakers called on the electoral body to address concerns and demanded answers.

But neither the president nor the lawmakers made any specific allegations about electoral fraud or vote rigging.

The president reportedly suggested rings were used.

Meanwhile, an anti-money laundering body in the Maldives has informed police that President Abdulla Yameen received 22.5 million Maldivian rufiyaa ($1.5m) in hard currency days in advance of a contentious presidential election in the Indian Ocean island nation.

As per Al Jazeera the president received the money in two instalments to a private bank account at the Maldives Islamic Bank.

The document from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), an agency under the Maldives' central bank, was dated September 13 and was addressed to Acting Commissioner of Police Abdulla Nawaz.

In the letter, the FIU said a third party deposited US $648,508 in hard currency into the president's account on September 5. Another US $810,635 was deposited to the same account on September 10.&nbsp;

A week afterlosing the elctions, Maldives President Abdulla Yameen called for nationwide protests over alleged vote rigging until the Elecion Commission addresses the situation, reports said.

A week afterlosing the elctions, Maldives President Abdulla Yameen called for nationwide protests over alleged vote rigging until the Elecion Commission addresses the situation, reports said. Results from Sunday's election released by the electoral commission showed Yameen on 41.7 per cent of the vote, well behind Solih on 58.3 per cent -- the only other name on ballot papers. There had been concerns at home and abroad that Yameen might not accept the outcome. He had borrowed hundreds of millions of dollars from China for an infrastructure blitz, to the alarm of the Maldives' traditional backer India. The result was a major surprise, with Yameen's main political rivals either in prison or in exile, media coverage of the opposition sparse and monitors and the opposition predicting the vote would be rigged. At two press briefings earlier in the day, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) lawmakers called on the electoral body to address concerns and demanded answers. But neither the president nor the lawmakers made any specific allegations about electoral fraud or vote rigging. The president reportedly suggested rings were used. Meanwhile, an anti-money laundering body in the Maldives has informed police that President Abdulla Yameen received 22.5 million Maldivian rufiyaa ($1.5m) in hard currency days in advance of a contentious presidential election in the Indian Ocean island nation. As per Al Jazeera the president received the money in two instalments to a private bank account at the Maldives Islamic Bank. The document from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), an agency under the Maldives' central bank, was dated September 13 and was addressed to Acting Commissioner of Police Abdulla Nawaz. In the letter, the FIU said a third party deposited US $648,508 in hard currency into the president's account on September 5. Another US $810,635 was deposited to the same account on September 10.

Maldives president calls for protests over alleged vote rigging

China wants to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with the Maldives, President Xi Jinping said in a congratulatory message to the newly elected Maldivian president, the leader of an opposition that has vowed to review Chinese projects.

China and India are going head-to-head for influence in the Indian Ocean nation, a string of palm-fringed islands and atolls 523 km (325 miles) southwest of India's southern tip.

The Maldives opposition said before the election it would review China`s investments in its Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, partly out of concern over terms, as experts have warned that the archipelago risked falling into a debt trap.&nbsp;

Xi told Ibrahim Mohamed Solih that China and the Maldives share a long-standing friendship, China`s official Xinhua news agency said late on Sunday.

"China is willing to work with Maldives to continue to cement their friendship and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields to better benefit the people of both countries," Xinhua said.

Xi told Solih that he valued the development of relations and was willing to "join hands with Solih to lift the comprehensive friendly cooperative partnership between China and Maldives to a new level", the report added.

Defeated president Abdulla Yameen had drawn the Maldives closer to China since 2013 in a Beijing-backed infrastructure boom.

China`s Foreign Ministry last week urged "continuity and stability" in the Maldives after the election.

China wants to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with the Maldives, President Xi Jinping said in a congratulatory message to the newly elected Maldivian president, the leader of an opposition that has vowed to review Chinese projects.

China wants to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with the Maldives, President Xi Jinping said in a congratulatory message to the newly elected Maldivian president, the leader of an opposition that has vowed to review Chinese projects. China and India are going head-to-head for influence in the Indian Ocean nation, a string of palm-fringed islands and atolls 523 km (325 miles) southwest of India's southern tip. The Maldives opposition said before the election it would review China`s investments in its Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, partly out of concern over terms, as experts have warned that the archipelago risked falling into a debt trap. Xi told Ibrahim Mohamed Solih that China and the Maldives share a long-standing friendship, China`s official Xinhua news agency said late on Sunday. "China is willing to work with Maldives to continue to cement their friendship and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields to better benefit the people of both countries," Xinhua said. Xi told Solih that he valued the development of relations and was willing to "join hands with Solih to lift the comprehensive friendly cooperative partnership between China and Maldives to a new level", the report added. Defeated president Abdulla Yameen had drawn the Maldives closer to China since 2013 in a Beijing-backed infrastructure boom. China`s Foreign Ministry last week urged "continuity and stability" in the Maldives after the election.

China's Xi tells new Maldives president he wants to deepen cooperation

The Central government on Friday said that it is ready to accept suggestions from people protesting the Citizenship Amendment Act.&nbsp;

The development comes after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-citizenship-amendment-act-protests-3-killed-section-144-imposed-in-several-districts-of-uttar-pradesh-269311">protesters across the country took to the streets</a> against the new law which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Students, activists, among others have been voicing their dissent against the new Act amid heavy security.&nbsp;

Section 144 has been imposed in many parts of the country while internet services have also been affected in some areas.&nbsp;

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MHA sources on people protesting on roads against CAA: We brought the Bill after we consulted all, there were discussions. But they have the right to go to court &amp; people have right to protest too. Those who want to give suggestions can give, we're in process of framing the rule. <a href="https://t.co/6BNAm7CW6q">https://t.co/6BNAm7CW6q</a>
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Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sources have said that the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act is under the Central government's control and will finalise who all will be involved in the enforcement of legislation, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"Implementation of the Act is under centre. We will finalise who all will be involved in implementation. It will be a digital and easy process so that people don't face any problem," MHA sources on some states denying implementation of the new citizenship law.

Sources said that the ministry is in the process of framing rules for CAA and people can give their suggestions.

"We brought the Bill after we consulted all, there were discussions. But, they have the right to go to the court and the people have the right to protest too. Those who want to give suggestions can give. We`re in process of framing the rule," they said on the protests against CAA adding that the CAA will not affect the Indian citizens.&nbsp;

"If any country has illegal migrants than the government has the right to through them out anyway," sources said on international bodies' reaction on CAA.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The Central government on Friday said that it is ready to accept suggestions from people protesting the Citizenship Amendment Act. The development comes after protesters across the country took to the streets against the new law which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

The Central government on Friday said that it is ready to accept suggestions from people protesting the Citizenship Amendment Act. The development comes after protesters across the country took to the streets against the new law which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Students, activists, among others have been voicing their dissent against the new Act amid heavy security. Section 144 has been imposed in many parts of the country while internet services have also been affected in some areas. MHA sources on people protesting on roads against CAA: We brought the Bill after we consulted all, there were discussions. But they have the right to go to court & people have right to protest too. Those who want to give suggestions can give, we're in process of framing the rule. https://t.co/6BNAm7CW6q — ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2019 × Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sources have said that the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act is under the Central government's control and will finalise who all will be involved in the enforcement of legislation, news agency ANI reported. "Implementation of the Act is under centre. We will finalise who all will be involved in implementation. It will be a digital and easy process so that people don't face any problem," MHA sources on some states denying implementation of the new citizenship law. Sources said that the ministry is in the process of framing rules for CAA and people can give their suggestions. "We brought the Bill after we consulted all, there were discussions. But, they have the right to go to the court and the people have the right to protest too. Those who want to give suggestions can give. We`re in process of framing the rule," they said on the protests against CAA adding that the CAA will not affect the Indian citizens. "If any country has illegal migrants than the government has the right to through them out anyway," sources said on international bodies' reaction on CAA. (With inputs from ANI)

The Maldives & geopolitics

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exploring-alternative-oil-supplies-ensure-our-friend-indias-economy-not-adversely">Exploring alternative oil supplies to ensure 'our friend India's economy' not adversely affected: US&nbsp;</a>

With a tougher round of US sanctions on Iran coming into effect from November 4, a top Trump administration official said Washington recognises India's need for significant oil imports and is having conversations to ensure there are alternative supplies of the fuel "so that our friend India's economy is not adversely affected".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/apple-employee-dead-after-being-allegedly-shot-police-168410">Gun went off accidentally, says </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/apple-employee-dead-after-being-allegedly-shot-police-168410">cop</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/apple-employee-dead-after-being-allegedly-shot-police-168410"> who fatally shot Apple employee</a>

The police constable who fatally shot the Apple employee Vivek Tiwari in Lucknow after the latter did not stop the car has said that his gun went off accidentally, reported news agency ANI. &nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-disrespecting-sardar-patel-modi-168441">Congress is spreading lies, disrespecting Sardar Patel, says Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the Congress of spreading lies over the world`s largest statue of Sardar Patel named "Statue of Unity" being built in Gujarat.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-election-body-endorses-opposition-leader-solihs-victory-amid-threats-168401">Maldives election body endorses opposition leader Solih's victory amid threats</a>

The Elections Commission of Maldives on Saturday officially declared opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih winner of the country's national election, defeating president Abdulla Yameen who had sought a delay in publication of the final results.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/west-asia/swedish-academy-has-postpones-years-nobel-literature-prize-168421">Swedish Academy postpones this year's Nobel Literature Prize</a>

In tatters after a #MeToo scandal, the Swedish Academy has postponed this year's Nobel Literature Prize, leaving an empty page for 2018 as it attempts to reform the venerable institution.

Exploring alternative oil supplies to ensure 'our friend India's economy' not adversely affected: US With a tougher round of US sanctions on Iran coming into effect from November 4, a top Trump administration official said Washington recognises India's need for significant oil imports and is having conversations to ensure there are alternative supplies of the fuel "so that our friend India's economy is not adversely affected".

Exploring alternative oil supplies to ensure 'our friend India's economy' not adversely affected: US With a tougher round of US sanctions on Iran coming into effect from November 4, a top Trump administration official said Washington recognises India's need for significant oil imports and is having conversations to ensure there are alternative supplies of the fuel "so that our friend India's economy is not adversely affected". Gun went off accidentally, says cop who fatally shot Apple employee The police constable who fatally shot the Apple employee Vivek Tiwari in Lucknow after the latter did not stop the car has said that his gun went off accidentally, reported news agency ANI. Congress is spreading lies, disrespecting Sardar Patel, says Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the Congress of spreading lies over the world`s largest statue of Sardar Patel named "Statue of Unity" being built in Gujarat. Maldives election body endorses opposition leader Solih's victory amid threats The Elections Commission of Maldives on Saturday officially declared opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih winner of the country's national election, defeating president Abdulla Yameen who had sought a delay in publication of the final results. Swedish Academy postpones this year's Nobel Literature Prize In tatters after a #MeToo scandal, the Swedish Academy has postponed this year's Nobel Literature Prize, leaving an empty page for 2018 as it attempts to reform the venerable institution.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Elections Commission of Maldives on Saturday officially declared opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih winner of the country's national election, defeating president Abdulla Yameen who had sought a delay in publication of the final results.

The Election Commission Secretary-General Salah Rasheed said Solih's Maldivian Democratic Party had won by a 16.8 percentage margin, with an 89.2 per cent voter turnout.

Ahmed Shareef said the commission had received 423 complaints about the election by Thursday, of which 194 were outstanding.

"The Complaints Bureau and the Commission have decided that none of the complaints filed with the commission will affect the outcome of the election," Shareef told reporters in the capital Male.

He said all five election commissioners had received threatening telephone calls after Sunday's election.

"We also received several phone calls in which we (the commissioners) were threatened with physical harm. We did not respond to it because the state's security services were providing security arrangements for all the commissioners."

The police and military have said they will uphold the result of the election.

Yameen conceded defeat on Monday, but his party later requested a delay in announcing the official result, which some in the opposition believed may have been an attempt to have the election resulted annulled.

Yameen, who will be president until Nov. 17 according to the constitution, has jailed political opponents and cracked down on dissent.

The Maldives is best known as a luxury holiday destination and is key to a battle for influence between India and China.

It has faced political upheaval since February when Yameen imposed a state of emergency to annul a Supreme Court ruling that quashed the convictions of nine opposition leaders, including former president Mohamed Nasheed, the country's first democratically elected leader.

The Elections Commission of Maldives on Saturday officially declared opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih winner of the country's national election, defeating president Abdulla Yameen who had sought a delay in publication of the final results.

The Elections Commission of Maldives on Saturday officially declared opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih winner of the country's national election, defeating president Abdulla Yameen who had sought a delay in publication of the final results. The Election Commission Secretary-General Salah Rasheed said Solih's Maldivian Democratic Party had won by a 16.8 percentage margin, with an 89.2 per cent voter turnout. Ahmed Shareef said the commission had received 423 complaints about the election by Thursday, of which 194 were outstanding. "The Complaints Bureau and the Commission have decided that none of the complaints filed with the commission will affect the outcome of the election," Shareef told reporters in the capital Male. He said all five election commissioners had received threatening telephone calls after Sunday's election. "We also received several phone calls in which we (the commissioners) were threatened with physical harm. We did not respond to it because the state's security services were providing security arrangements for all the commissioners." The police and military have said they will uphold the result of the election. Yameen conceded defeat on Monday, but his party later requested a delay in announcing the official result, which some in the opposition believed may have been an attempt to have the election resulted annulled. Yameen, who will be president until Nov. 17 according to the constitution, has jailed political opponents and cracked down on dissent. The Maldives is best known as a luxury holiday destination and is key to a battle for influence between India and China. It has faced political upheaval since February when Yameen imposed a state of emergency to annul a Supreme Court ruling that quashed the convictions of nine opposition leaders, including former president Mohamed Nasheed, the country's first democratically elected leader.

Maldives election body endorses opposition leader Solih's victory amid threats

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November, according to a Maldives media report Thursday.

Solih, 56, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate, emerged victorious over incumbent President Abdulla Yameen in the election held in September 23. The formal results will be announced by the election commission on Sunday.

He will be sworn in on November 17.&nbsp;

The President-elect had extended the invitation during a phone call by Modi, after Solih's victory in the September 23 presidential elections, spokesperson for Solih, Mariya Ahmed Didi was quoted as saying in 'The Edition'.

Modi had also invited Solih to visit India, Mariya said, adding that the president-elect had accepted the invitation.

The two leaders agreed to work closely together to further strengthen the close, friendly and good neighbourly relations between the two countries.

Maldives is the only SAARC country that Modi has not visited. His visit to the archipelago was cancelled in March 2015 due to the volatile political situation.

India's ties with the Maldives came under strain after President Yameen declared Emergency in the country on February 5, following an order by the country's Supreme Court to release a group of Opposition leaders, including his estranged half brother and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials.&nbsp;

India had criticised the Yameen government for the imposition of the Emergency and urged it to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by releasing political prisoners.&nbsp;

The Emergency was lifted 45 days later.

In July, India expressed concern over announcement of the presidential election without allowing democratic institutions, including Parliament and the judiciary, to work in a free and transparent manner.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November, according to a Maldives media report Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November, according to a Maldives media report Thursday. Solih, 56, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate, emerged victorious over incumbent President Abdulla Yameen in the election held in September 23. The formal results will be announced by the election commission on Sunday. He will be sworn in on November 17. The President-elect had extended the invitation during a phone call by Modi, after Solih's victory in the September 23 presidential elections, spokesperson for Solih, Mariya Ahmed Didi was quoted as saying in 'The Edition'. Modi had also invited Solih to visit India, Mariya said, adding that the president-elect had accepted the invitation. The two leaders agreed to work closely together to further strengthen the close, friendly and good neighbourly relations between the two countries. Maldives is the only SAARC country that Modi has not visited. His visit to the archipelago was cancelled in March 2015 due to the volatile political situation. India's ties with the Maldives came under strain after President Yameen declared Emergency in the country on February 5, following an order by the country's Supreme Court to release a group of Opposition leaders, including his estranged half brother and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials. India had criticised the Yameen government for the imposition of the Emergency and urged it to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by releasing political prisoners. The Emergency was lifted 45 days later. In July, India expressed concern over announcement of the presidential election without allowing democratic institutions, including Parliament and the judiciary, to work in a free and transparent manner.

Maldives' president-elect Solih invites Modi in swearing-in ceremony

The peaceful vote for change in the Maldives presidential elections is an affirmation of ordinary people in democratic processes and in upholding of dignity and rule of law, the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) said on Wednesday.

Welcoming the outcome of the ballot which resulted in the victory of the unified Opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, a long-time parliamentarian from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), and the defeat of incumbent President Abdulla Yameen, CHRI commended the citizens of Maldives "for voting in large numbers despite efforts at intimidation, harassment and threats of violence that characterised the environment in the run-up to the elections".

The high voter turnout of nearly 90 per cent is a clear affirmation of the Maldivian people's commitment to a democratic electoral process and rule of law enshrined in the 2008 Constitution of the Maldives.

The CHRI urged all stakeholders and institutions to work together to ensure a smooth transition of power following the November 17 inauguration.

In a hotly-contested election in the island nation on September 23, Solih, who had the backing of several opposition parties, led by the MDP, emerged victorious by garnering 134,616 votes, according to the provincial results announced by the Maldivian Election Commission. Yameen, however, secured only 96,132 votes.

Official results are scheduled to be announced before September 30. However, Yameen, in a televised speech on Monday, said he accepted the people's mandate and conceded defeat. 
&nbsp;

The peaceful vote for change in the Maldives presidential elections is an affirmation of ordinary people in democratic processes and in upholding of dignity and rule of law, the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) said on Wednesday.

The peaceful vote for change in the Maldives presidential elections is an affirmation of ordinary people in democratic processes and in upholding of dignity and rule of law, the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) said on Wednesday. Welcoming the outcome of the ballot which resulted in the victory of the unified Opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, a long-time parliamentarian from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), and the defeat of incumbent President Abdulla Yameen, CHRI commended the citizens of Maldives "for voting in large numbers despite efforts at intimidation, harassment and threats of violence that characterised the environment in the run-up to the elections". The high voter turnout of nearly 90 per cent is a clear affirmation of the Maldivian people's commitment to a democratic electoral process and rule of law enshrined in the 2008 Constitution of the Maldives. The CHRI urged all stakeholders and institutions to work together to ensure a smooth transition of power following the November 17 inauguration. In a hotly-contested election in the island nation on September 23, Solih, who had the backing of several opposition parties, led by the MDP, emerged victorious by garnering 134,616 votes, according to the provincial results announced by the Maldivian Election Commission. Yameen, however, secured only 96,132 votes. Official results are scheduled to be announced before September 30. However, Yameen, in a televised speech on Monday, said he accepted the people's mandate and conceded defeat.

Maldives result: People's affirmation to democracy, says CHRI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November, according to a Maldives media report Thursday.

Solih, 56, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate, emerged victorious over incumbent President Abdulla Yameen in the election held on September 23. The formal results will be announced by the election commission on Sunday.

He will be sworn in on November 17.&nbsp;

The President-elect had extended the invitation during a phone call by Modi, after Solih's victory in the September 23 presidential elections, spokesperson for Solih, Mariya Ahmed Didi was quoted as saying in 'The Edition'.

Modi had also invited Solih to visit India, Mariya said, adding that the president-elect had accepted the invitation.

The two leaders agreed to work closely together to further strengthen the close, friendly and good neighbourly relations between the two countries.

Maldives is the only SAARC country that Modi has not visited. His visit to the archipelago was cancelled in March 2015 due to the volatile political situation.

India's ties with the Maldives came under strain after President Yameen declared Emergency in the country on February 5, following an order by the country's Supreme Court to release a group of Opposition leaders, including his estranged half-brother and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials.&nbsp;

India had criticised the Yameen government for the imposition of the Emergency and urged it to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by releasing political prisoners.&nbsp;

The Emergency was lifted 45 days later.

In July, India expressed concern over an announcement of the presidential election without allowing democratic institutions, including Parliament and the judiciary, to work in a free and transparent manner.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November, according to a Maldives media report Thursday. Solih, 56, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate, emerged victorious over incumbent President Abdulla Yameen in the election held on September 23. The formal results will be announced by the election commission on Sunday. He will be sworn in on November 17. The President-elect had extended the invitation during a phone call by Modi, after Solih's victory in the September 23 presidential elections, spokesperson for Solih, Mariya Ahmed Didi was quoted as saying in 'The Edition'. Modi had also invited Solih to visit India, Mariya said, adding that the president-elect had accepted the invitation. The two leaders agreed to work closely together to further strengthen the close, friendly and good neighbourly relations between the two countries. Maldives is the only SAARC country that Modi has not visited. His visit to the archipelago was cancelled in March 2015 due to the volatile political situation. India's ties with the Maldives came under strain after President Yameen declared Emergency in the country on February 5, following an order by the country's Supreme Court to release a group of Opposition leaders, including his estranged half-brother and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials. India had criticised the Yameen government for the imposition of the Emergency and urged it to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by releasing political prisoners. The Emergency was lifted 45 days later. In July, India expressed concern over an announcement of the presidential election without allowing democratic institutions, including Parliament and the judiciary, to work in a free and transparent manner.

Maldives' president-elect Solih invites PM Modi in swearing-in ceremony

Police armed with pickaxes and power tools have destroyed a modern artwork by a celebrated British sculptor in the Maldives, after the outgoing president in the tourist haven declared the installation offensive to Islam.

Abdulla Yameen in July ordered the sculptures demolished but his ruling was not acted upon until Friday, on the eve of a presidential election which he lost to a liberal candidate.

A series of statues by Jason deCaires Taylor were placed inside a semi-submerged metal cube in July at a resort in the Maldives, an archipelago of 340,000 Sunni Muslims popular with tourists.

Islam, the official religion in the Maldives, bans the depiction of idols, and the work provoked some criticism from clerics even though the statues have no religious symbols or meaning.

Yameen said in July that "significant public sentiment" against the artwork known as 'Coralarium' had guided his decision to destroy it.

It is unclear why the sculptures were not raised from the waters until Friday, just two days before Yameen was turfed out of office.

Police were photographed chipping away at the works with pickaxes and using power tools to remove them from the large and ornate cage housing them.&nbsp;

A video posted by state media showed several men tearing a statue off a plinth.&nbsp;

"I was extremely shocked and heartbroken to learn that my sculptures have been destroyed by the Maldivian authorities at the Coralarium, despite continued consultations and dialogue," deCaires Taylor told AFP in a statement.

"The Coralarium was conceived to connect humans to the environment and a nurturing space for marine life to thrive. Nothing else!

"The Maldives is still beautiful, with a warm and friendly population, but it was a sad day for art and sad day for the environment."

The import of statues is prohibited in the Maldives. Even depictions of the Buddha are banned despite a long legacy of Buddhism in the islands before Islam came to dominate the archipelago.

Despite the edict, huge cutouts of Yameen towered over the capital Male in the lead-up to Sunday's poll, which he lost after five years of strongman rule marked by a regression from democracy.

Many of these cardboard posters depicting the ousted leader were torn down after he suffered a shock defeat to opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, an act of defiance unthinkable under his iron-fisted leadership.

Police armed with pickaxes and power tools have destroyed a modern artwork by a celebrated British sculptor in the Maldives, after the outgoing president in the tourist haven declared the installation offensive to Islam.

Police armed with pickaxes and power tools have destroyed a modern artwork by a celebrated British sculptor in the Maldives, after the outgoing president in the tourist haven declared the installation offensive to Islam. Abdulla Yameen in July ordered the sculptures demolished but his ruling was not acted upon until Friday, on the eve of a presidential election which he lost to a liberal candidate. A series of statues by Jason deCaires Taylor were placed inside a semi-submerged metal cube in July at a resort in the Maldives, an archipelago of 340,000 Sunni Muslims popular with tourists. Islam, the official religion in the Maldives, bans the depiction of idols, and the work provoked some criticism from clerics even though the statues have no religious symbols or meaning. Yameen said in July that "significant public sentiment" against the artwork known as 'Coralarium' had guided his decision to destroy it. It is unclear why the sculptures were not raised from the waters until Friday, just two days before Yameen was turfed out of office. Police were photographed chipping away at the works with pickaxes and using power tools to remove them from the large and ornate cage housing them. A video posted by state media showed several men tearing a statue off a plinth. "I was extremely shocked and heartbroken to learn that my sculptures have been destroyed by the Maldivian authorities at the Coralarium, despite continued consultations and dialogue," deCaires Taylor told AFP in a statement. "The Coralarium was conceived to connect humans to the environment and a nurturing space for marine life to thrive. Nothing else! "The Maldives is still beautiful, with a warm and friendly population, but it was a sad day for art and sad day for the environment." The import of statues is prohibited in the Maldives. Even depictions of the Buddha are banned despite a long legacy of Buddhism in the islands before Islam came to dominate the archipelago. Despite the edict, huge cutouts of Yameen towered over the capital Male in the lead-up to Sunday's poll, which he lost after five years of strongman rule marked by a regression from democracy. Many of these cardboard posters depicting the ousted leader were torn down after he suffered a shock defeat to opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, an act of defiance unthinkable under his iron-fisted leadership.

Maldives destroys British statues deemed offensive to Islam

The recent transition of power in the Maldives is expected to transform the relationship between India and the Indian Ocean archipelago nation.

Maldives which was initially dependent on India for its security and trade moved towards China&nbsp;since 2013 after&nbsp;Abdulla Yameen took to power.

Since then the island country had received significant grants and loan from China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Maldives also utilised the funds that it had received from China in advancing the international airport in the capital of Male and a bridge connecting the airport to town.

The Chinese investment in the Maldives is seen as part of its "String of Pearls" strategy, developing a network of friendly ports in the region from Sri Lanka to Pakistan.

Before the election, the opposition said it would review Chinese investment, partly out of concern over terms, as experts have warned that the Maldives risked falling into a debt trap.

Maldives failure in paying off the debts may throw the country in a serious debt trap as it may have to face adverse consequence just like Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka had to sell off a majority of its stake in the Hambantota port to China after it failed to pay off the debts.

While new power in the Maldives seems to have an inclination towards India, Maldives may not ignore China due to its unparalleled funding which India can certainly not match.

A media report quoted Alyssa Ayres, a senior South Asia fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations as saying that as&nbsp;Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's pro-democracy government is more politically aligned with New Delhi, he is likely to repair ties with India and "veer back to the more traditional close regional partnership".

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

The victory of Solih, who is known as a reformer, dislodges Yameen, a hardliner who had cultivated ties with both Beijing and Saudi Arabia, and cracked down on threats to his rule, even jailing his own half-brother, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

(With inputs from agencies)

The recent transition of power in the Maldives is expected to transform the relationship between India and the Indian Ocean archipelago nation. Maldives which was initially dependent on India for its security and trade moved towards China since 2013 after Abdulla Yameen took to power.

The recent transition of power in the Maldives is expected to transform the relationship between India and the Indian Ocean archipelago nation. Maldives which was initially dependent on India for its security and trade moved towards China since 2013 after Abdulla Yameen took to power. Since then the island country had received significant grants and loan from China's Belt and Road Initiative. Maldives also utilised the funds that it had received from China in advancing the international airport in the capital of Male and a bridge connecting the airport to town. The Chinese investment in the Maldives is seen as part of its "String of Pearls" strategy, developing a network of friendly ports in the region from Sri Lanka to Pakistan. Before the election, the opposition said it would review Chinese investment, partly out of concern over terms, as experts have warned that the Maldives risked falling into a debt trap. Maldives failure in paying off the debts may throw the country in a serious debt trap as it may have to face adverse consequence just like Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka had to sell off a majority of its stake in the Hambantota port to China after it failed to pay off the debts. While new power in the Maldives seems to have an inclination towards India, Maldives may not ignore China due to its unparalleled funding which India can certainly not match. A media report quoted Alyssa Ayres, a senior South Asia fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations as saying that as Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's pro-democracy government is more politically aligned with New Delhi, he is likely to repair ties with India and "veer back to the more traditional close regional partnership". 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 The victory of Solih, who is known as a reformer, dislodges Yameen, a hardliner who had cultivated ties with both Beijing and Saudi Arabia, and cracked down on threats to his rule, even jailing his own half-brother, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. (With inputs from agencies)

Will Maldives see closer ties with India under Ibrahim Mohamed Solih?

The United States congratulated Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on his victory in the recently-concluded presidential polls in the Maldives and expressed keenness in working with the new government in areas of shared interest.

"The United States congratulates Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on his victory in Maldives'&nbsp;September 23 presidential election. The United States commends the Maldivian people for their commitment to the democratic process and exceptional level of participation in an election that has ushered in a new chapter in their country's history. We expect all parties to respect the will of the Maldivian people and support a peaceful transition of power through the November 17 inauguration," a statement issued by US State Department Spokesperson, Heather Nauert, read.

In a hotly-contested election in the island nation, Solih, a senior opposition leader, emerged victorious by garnering 134,616 votes, according to the provincial results announced by the Maldivian Election Commission.

Incumbent Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen, however, secured 96,132 votes only.

Official results are scheduled to be announced before September 30.

However, Yameen, in a televised speech on Monday, said he accepted the people's mandate and conceded defeat.&nbsp;

The United States congratulated Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on his victory in the recently-concluded presidential polls in the Maldives and expressed keenness in working with the new government in areas of shared interest.

The United States congratulated Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on his victory in the recently-concluded presidential polls in the Maldives and expressed keenness in working with the new government in areas of shared interest. "The United States congratulates Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on his victory in Maldives' September 23 presidential election. The United States commends the Maldivian people for their commitment to the democratic process and exceptional level of participation in an election that has ushered in a new chapter in their country's history. We expect all parties to respect the will of the Maldivian people and support a peaceful transition of power through the November 17 inauguration," a statement issued by US State Department Spokesperson, Heather Nauert, read. In a hotly-contested election in the island nation, Solih, a senior opposition leader, emerged victorious by garnering 134,616 votes, according to the provincial results announced by the Maldivian Election Commission. Incumbent Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen, however, secured 96,132 votes only. Official results are scheduled to be announced before September 30. However, Yameen, in a televised speech on Monday, said he accepted the people's mandate and conceded defeat.

US lauds Ibrahim Solih on Maldives election victory

The defeated strongman of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, is welcome in neighbouring Sri Lanka, Colombo said Tuesday, two days after his surprise defeat in presidential elections.

Sri Lanka has long been a haven for dissidents from the nearby Maldives over years of political upheaval, including for hundreds of opponents of Yameen since he became president in 2013.

In a phone call on Monday, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe "informed Mr. Yameen that he is welcome in Colombo at any time," the premier's office said.

Wickremesinghe made the call after hosting Yameen's arch rival and former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed at a luncheon meeting on Monday.&nbsp;

Nasheed, the atoll nation's first democratically elected leader, was sentenced to 13 years in jail after narrowly losing the 2013 elections to Yameen.

He fled to London where he sought refuge and now lives in Sri Lanka.

Sunday's election was held with all key opposition leaders behind bars or in exile, leaving the little-known Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to challenge Yameen.

In a major upset, Solih won with 58 per cent of the vote.

Solih's victory was greeted warmly by India as Yameen had drifted closer to China, borrowing heavily from New Delhi's regional rival to invest in infrastructure.

Declaring victory, Solih demanded Yameen immediately release all political prisoners in the country. A Maldivian court freed five of them on Monday night.

Many more are still in jail, including Yameen's estranged half-brother and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, 80, who is expected to be released shortly.

Under intense international pressure, Yameen conceded defeat and pledged to allow a peaceful transition when he formally steps down on November 17.

Rights group Amnesty International called Tuesday on Solih to "break with the repression and human rights violations of the past and chart a fresh course where human rights are at the heart" of government policy.

The European Union, which had earlier threatened sanctions, said Monday that it would "continue to closely review the situation".

The defeated strongman of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, is welcome in neighbouring Sri Lanka, Colombo said Tuesday, two days after his surprise defeat in presidential elections.

The defeated strongman of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, is welcome in neighbouring Sri Lanka, Colombo said Tuesday, two days after his surprise defeat in presidential elections. Sri Lanka has long been a haven for dissidents from the nearby Maldives over years of political upheaval, including for hundreds of opponents of Yameen since he became president in 2013. In a phone call on Monday, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe "informed Mr. Yameen that he is welcome in Colombo at any time," the premier's office said. Wickremesinghe made the call after hosting Yameen's arch rival and former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed at a luncheon meeting on Monday. Nasheed, the atoll nation's first democratically elected leader, was sentenced to 13 years in jail after narrowly losing the 2013 elections to Yameen. He fled to London where he sought refuge and now lives in Sri Lanka. Sunday's election was held with all key opposition leaders behind bars or in exile, leaving the little-known Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to challenge Yameen. In a major upset, Solih won with 58 per cent of the vote. Solih's victory was greeted warmly by India as Yameen had drifted closer to China, borrowing heavily from New Delhi's regional rival to invest in infrastructure. Declaring victory, Solih demanded Yameen immediately release all political prisoners in the country. A Maldivian court freed five of them on Monday night. Many more are still in jail, including Yameen's estranged half-brother and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, 80, who is expected to be released shortly. Under intense international pressure, Yameen conceded defeat and pledged to allow a peaceful transition when he formally steps down on November 17. Rights group Amnesty International called Tuesday on Solih to "break with the repression and human rights violations of the past and chart a fresh course where human rights are at the heart" of government policy. The European Union, which had earlier threatened sanctions, said Monday that it would "continue to closely review the situation".

Sri Lanka ready to welcome toppled Maldives strongman

The opposition was awarded victory in the Maldives presidential election on Monday, in a possible setback for China as the new leaders of the Indian Ocean archipelago nation aim to review major projects agreed with the outgoing administration.

Incumbent Abdulla Yameen, who had cultivated ties with both Beijing and Saudi Arabia, conceded defeat after the Election Commission said opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had won Sunday's election by a margin of 16.7 per cent.

Before the election, the opposition said it would review Chinese investment, partly out of concern over terms, as experts have warned that the Maldives risked falling into a debt trap.

Solih's ally Mohamed Nasheed, an exiled former president who led the country between 2008 and 2012, has repeatedly said he wants to renegotiate the deals.

"We have a joint manifesto. We have issues, we have ideas agreed upon. I think we have to review all the agreements we had with China. We have to review them and see what is due," Nasheed told Reuters on Monday in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo.

The Maldives, a string of palm-fringed islands and atolls lying 325 miles (523 kilometres) southwest of the southern tip of India, is best known as a luxury holiday destination.

But the Muslim nation of less than half a million people has suffered a turbulent transition to democracy following the end of three decades of authoritarian rule in 2008.

"This is a moment of happiness, a moment of hope," Solih told reporters in the capital Male. "This is a journey that has ended at the ballot box because the people willed it."

India and The United States congratulated Solih, popularly known as "Ibu", on his victory even before Yameen conceded.

"This election marks not only the triumph of democratic forces in the Maldives but also reflects the firm commitment to the values of democracy and the rule of law," India's foreign ministry said in a statement.

"India looks forward to working closely with the Maldives in further deepening our partnership."

Both New Delhi and Washington had been concerned by China's growing influence in the Maldives and its lurch toward more hardline attitudes on religious issues during Yameen's five years in power.

China, meantime, has helped build an extension to the international airport in the Maldives, and a bridge linking it to the capital, Male.

The Chinese investment in the Maldives is seen as part of its "String of Pearls" strategy, developing a network of friendly ports in the region from Sri Lanka to Pakistan.

India and Western nations have worried that the strategy ultimately aims to help China's military extend its reach.

Island prison

Since coming to power in a contested election in 2013, Yameen has been criticised for jailing opponents and restricting election observers and the media, and there had been fears that Sunday's election would be an unfair contest.

But Yameen, whose five-year term was set to end in November, soothed concerns over the risk of another messy transfer of power in a televised address to the nation.

"Maldivian people have decided what they want. I have accepted the results from yesterday. Earlier today, I met with Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who the Maldivian electorate has chosen to be their next president. I have congratulated him," he said.

Later on Monday, a court released a former police chief, three opposition legislators, and a son-in-law of the former leader and Yameen's half-brother Maumoon Abdul Gayoom who were in police custody facing trials.

Gayoom was not released as he was already convicted, the court said. Yameen jailed Gayoom, who led the country for 30 years. He is being held in a prison on a remote island along with the former head of the top court and ex-ministers.

The opposition has said it would make the release of all political prisoners, including Gayoom, a priority.

Voter turnout was 89.2 per cent, the Elections Commission said, adding the official results would be released by Sept. 30.

The country has been in political turmoil since February, when Yameen imposed a state of emergency to annul a Supreme Court ruling that quashed the convictions of nine opposition leaders, including Nasheed, the country's first democratically elected leader and former president.

The opposition was awarded victory in the Maldives presidential election on Monday, in a possible setback for China as the new leaders of the Indian Ocean archipelago nation aim to review major projects agreed with the outgoing administration.

The opposition was awarded victory in the Maldives presidential election on Monday, in a possible setback for China as the new leaders of the Indian Ocean archipelago nation aim to review major projects agreed with the outgoing administration. Incumbent Abdulla Yameen, who had cultivated ties with both Beijing and Saudi Arabia, conceded defeat after the Election Commission said opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had won Sunday's election by a margin of 16.7 per cent. Before the election, the opposition said it would review Chinese investment, partly out of concern over terms, as experts have warned that the Maldives risked falling into a debt trap. Solih's ally Mohamed Nasheed, an exiled former president who led the country between 2008 and 2012, has repeatedly said he wants to renegotiate the deals. "We have a joint manifesto. We have issues, we have ideas agreed upon. I think we have to review all the agreements we had with China. We have to review them and see what is due," Nasheed told Reuters on Monday in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo. The Maldives, a string of palm-fringed islands and atolls lying 325 miles (523 kilometres) southwest of the southern tip of India, is best known as a luxury holiday destination. But the Muslim nation of less than half a million people has suffered a turbulent transition to democracy following the end of three decades of authoritarian rule in 2008. "This is a moment of happiness, a moment of hope," Solih told reporters in the capital Male. "This is a journey that has ended at the ballot box because the people willed it." India and The United States congratulated Solih, popularly known as "Ibu", on his victory even before Yameen conceded. "This election marks not only the triumph of democratic forces in the Maldives but also reflects the firm commitment to the values of democracy and the rule of law," India's foreign ministry said in a statement. "India looks forward to working closely with the Maldives in further deepening our partnership." Both New Delhi and Washington had been concerned by China's growing influence in the Maldives and its lurch toward more hardline attitudes on religious issues during Yameen's five years in power. China, meantime, has helped build an extension to the international airport in the Maldives, and a bridge linking it to the capital, Male. The Chinese investment in the Maldives is seen as part of its "String of Pearls" strategy, developing a network of friendly ports in the region from Sri Lanka to Pakistan. India and Western nations have worried that the strategy ultimately aims to help China's military extend its reach. Island prison Since coming to power in a contested election in 2013, Yameen has been criticised for jailing opponents and restricting election observers and the media, and there had been fears that Sunday's election would be an unfair contest. But Yameen, whose five-year term was set to end in November, soothed concerns over the risk of another messy transfer of power in a televised address to the nation. "Maldivian people have decided what they want. I have accepted the results from yesterday. Earlier today, I met with Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who the Maldivian electorate has chosen to be their next president. I have congratulated him," he said. Later on Monday, a court released a former police chief, three opposition legislators, and a son-in-law of the former leader and Yameen's half-brother Maumoon Abdul Gayoom who were in police custody facing trials. Gayoom was not released as he was already convicted, the court said. Yameen jailed Gayoom, who led the country for 30 years. He is being held in a prison on a remote island along with the former head of the top court and ex-ministers. The opposition has said it would make the release of all political prisoners, including Gayoom, a priority. Voter turnout was 89.2 per cent, the Elections Commission said, adding the official results would be released by Sept. 30. The country has been in political turmoil since February, when Yameen imposed a state of emergency to annul a Supreme Court ruling that quashed the convictions of nine opposition leaders, including Nasheed, the country's first democratically elected leader and former president.

Opposition victory in Maldives deals potential blow to China

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.

The ministry cited provisional figures from the country's Elections Commission showing Solih taking victory by a margin of 16.7 per cent over incumbent Abdulla Yameen in Sunday`s election.&nbsp;

The Commission spokesman Ahmed Akram said that Solih obtained 134,616 or 58.3 per cent of the votes polled, as per the provisional data of the election commission.

Solih, the candidate from the coalition of four parties, whose leaders are either in exile or imprisoned, claimed victory in a televised speech on Sunday.

"We have won this election with a comfortable majority," Solih told reporters in Male.

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Our quick count results indicate that Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has won the 2018 Presidential Election by a decisive margin. We call on all stakeholders to maintain an environment conducive for a peaceful transfer of power. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MVElection2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MVElection2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/cfTRDALpNl">pic.twitter.com/cfTRDALpNl</a>
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"This is a moment of happiness. This is a moment of hope. This is a moment of history. We will establish a just and peaceful society in the Maldives. I will be a president for all Maldives.

"I would like to call upon President Abdulla Yameen and ask him to respect the will of the people and to immediately begin the smooth transition of power."

Hundreds of people gathered outside the main opposition campaign center in Male in jubilant mood, chanting “Ibu, Ibu, Ibu” and calling on President Yameen to concede defeat.

Yameen had been expected to cement his grip on power amid criticism over the fairness of the vote on the islands best known as a luxury holiday destination.&nbsp;

India, which is concerned with the political instability in the Maldives, welcomed the result.

"We welcome the successful completion of the third presidential election process in the Maldives which, according to preliminary information, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has won," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

The island country, home to around 22,000 Indians, is of strategic importance to New Delhi and its growing proximity to China is a cause of concern.

(With inputs from agencies)

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.

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. The ministry cited provisional figures from the country's Elections Commission showing Solih taking victory by a margin of 16.7 per cent over incumbent Abdulla Yameen in Sunday`s election. The Commission spokesman Ahmed Akram said that Solih obtained 134,616 or 58.3 per cent of the votes polled, as per the provisional data of the election commission. Solih, the candidate from the coalition of four parties, whose leaders are either in exile or imprisoned, claimed victory in a televised speech on Sunday. "We have won this election with a comfortable majority," Solih told reporters in Male. Our quick count results indicate that Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has won the 2018 Presidential Election by a decisive margin. We call on all stakeholders to maintain an environment conducive for a peaceful transfer of power. #MVElection2018 pic.twitter.com/cfTRDALpNl — Transparency MV (@TransparencyMV) September 23, 2018 × "This is a moment of happiness. This is a moment of hope. This is a moment of history. We will establish a just and peaceful society in the Maldives. I will be a president for all Maldives. "I would like to call upon President Abdulla Yameen and ask him to respect the will of the people and to immediately begin the smooth transition of power." Hundreds of people gathered outside the main opposition campaign center in Male in jubilant mood, chanting “Ibu, Ibu, Ibu” and calling on President Yameen to concede defeat. Yameen had been expected to cement his grip on power amid criticism over the fairness of the vote on the islands best known as a luxury holiday destination. India, which is concerned with the political instability in the Maldives, welcomed the result. "We welcome the successful completion of the third presidential election process in the Maldives which, according to preliminary information, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has won," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement. The island country, home to around 22,000 Indians, is of strategic importance to New Delhi and its growing proximity to China is a cause of concern. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: Maldives opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih wins presidential poll

Opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has taken a 15 percentage point lead over incumbent Abdulla Yameen in the&nbsp;Maldives' presidential election, according to early provisional counts reported by local media.

Yameen was expected to cement his grip on power, amid criticism over the fairness of the vote on the islands, best known as a luxury holiday destination.

Voting closed at 1900 hours (1400 GMT), after the Indian Ocean nation's Election Commission extended voting by three hours due to long queues at polling stations.

The provisional results counted in 250 out of 472 vote boxes as of 1640 GMT, showed the opposition leading by a margin of 15.4 per cent, according to local media, Mihaaru. The provisional results for the remaining 222 vote boxes, with an estimated 130,000 voters are yet to be released.

The opposition said their own exit polls showed their candidate had secured 63 percent of vote, and added that they were closely monitoring the count.

Yameen's party officials told Reuters that results from areas where he has strong support have still to be released.

The Muslim-majority Indian Ocean nation has become a theatre of rivalry between its traditional partner, India, and China, which has backed Yameen's infrastructure drive, and prompted concern in the West about Beijing's increasing influence.

Yameen's government has jailed many of his main rivals, including former president and his half-brother, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, on charges ranging from terrorism to corruption.

More than a quarter of a million people were eligible to vote across the coral islands. Yameen, 59, is seeking a second five-year term.

Hundreds of people queued outside polling stations in the capital, Male, early on Sunday. On some islands, people started queuing on Saturday night.

"I am voting to revert a mistake I made in 2013. I am voting to free President Maumoon (Gayoom)," Nazima Hassan, 44, told Reuters after voting in Male.

Abdul Rasheed Husain, 46, in Male said he cast his ballot for Yameen to take the&nbsp;Maldives&nbsp;"to the next level".

In the polling booth at the&nbsp;Maldives&nbsp;embassy in Colombo, some voters had to wait for more than seven hours.

Ahamed Ihusan, a 24-year-old business management student, told Reuters that "if it is a free and fair election, the opposition will win."

Many opposition supporters blamed the Election Commission for the delays.

"Yameen is trying to frustrate voters by having a shoddy process for the elections and a long waiting time of 6-8 hours in some stations. I appeal to all to be patient and not step back," an opposition supporter told Reuters, asking not to be named.

Mohamed Shareef Hussain,&nbsp;Maldives&nbsp;envoy to Colombo, said the Electoral Commission had not assigned enough staff, causing delays.

Police late on Saturday raided the main opposition campaign office saying they came to "stop illegal activities", after arresting at least five opposition supporters for "influencing voters", opposition officials said.

British Ambassador James Dauris wrote on Twitter that it was "easy to understand why so many people are concerned about what might happen on Election Day".

International monitors stay away

Most poll monitors, including those from the European Union and the United Nations, declined the government's invitation to observe the election, fearing their presence might be used to endorse Yameen's re-election even after possible vote rigging.

Rohana Hettiarachchi, a member of the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL), which was named as an election monitor, said his organisation could in fact not take part.

"Our four members were invited and the Elections Commission published our name in the international monitors list. But we did not get the required visa," he told Reuters.

Transparency&nbsp;Maldives, one of the few election monitors on the ground, said the initial vote had gone smoothly.

The opposition's joint candidate, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, known as Ibu, told supporters he was confident of victory.

"I appeal to everyone not to allow any space for unrest tomorrow," he told a rally on Saturday. "Let the voting end peacefully and let the people decide what they want. The people are hungry for a change."

Yameen also urged voters to head to the polls and said he was confident of the work he had done in his first term in office to put the nation on a path of development.

The country has been in political turmoil since February, when Yameen imposed a state of emergency to annul a Supreme Court ruling that quashed the convictions of nine opposition leaders, including Mohamed Nasheed, the country's first democratically-elected leader and former president.

Yameen has disregarded calls from the United Nations, several Western countries and India for an amicable solution to the crisis.

Ahead of the vote, Human Rights Watch urged foreign governments to press the&nbsp;Maldives&nbsp;to uphold democratic rights.

"Should the&nbsp;Maldives&nbsp;government fail to do so, they should impose targeted sanctions, such as those proposed by the European Union, against senior ruling party officials implicated in abuses," the New York-based group said in a statement.

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 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. Yameen was expected to cement his grip on power, amid criticism over the fairness of the vote on the islands, best known as a luxury holiday destination. Voting closed at 1900 hours (1400 GMT), after the Indian Ocean nation's Election Commission extended voting by three hours due to long queues at polling stations. The provisional results counted in 250 out of 472 vote boxes as of 1640 GMT, showed the opposition leading by a margin of 15.4 per cent, according to local media, Mihaaru. The provisional results for the remaining 222 vote boxes, with an estimated 130,000 voters are yet to be released. The opposition said their own exit polls showed their candidate had secured 63 percent of vote, and added that they were closely monitoring the count. Yameen's party officials told Reuters that results from areas where he has strong support have still to be released. The Muslim-majority Indian Ocean nation has become a theatre of rivalry between its traditional partner, India, and China, which has backed Yameen's infrastructure drive, and prompted concern in the West about Beijing's increasing influence. Yameen's government has jailed many of his main rivals, including former president and his half-brother, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, on charges ranging from terrorism to corruption. More than a quarter of a million people were eligible to vote across the coral islands. Yameen, 59, is seeking a second five-year term. Hundreds of people queued outside polling stations in the capital, Male, early on Sunday. On some islands, people started queuing on Saturday night. "I am voting to revert a mistake I made in 2013. I am voting to free President Maumoon (Gayoom)," Nazima Hassan, 44, told Reuters after voting in Male. Abdul Rasheed Husain, 46, in Male said he cast his ballot for Yameen to take the Maldives "to the next level". In the polling booth at the Maldives embassy in Colombo, some voters had to wait for more than seven hours. Ahamed Ihusan, a 24-year-old business management student, told Reuters that "if it is a free and fair election, the opposition will win." Many opposition supporters blamed the Election Commission for the delays. "Yameen is trying to frustrate voters by having a shoddy process for the elections and a long waiting time of 6-8 hours in some stations. I appeal to all to be patient and not step back," an opposition supporter told Reuters, asking not to be named. Mohamed Shareef Hussain, Maldives envoy to Colombo, said the Electoral Commission had not assigned enough staff, causing delays. Police late on Saturday raided the main opposition campaign office saying they came to "stop illegal activities", after arresting at least five opposition supporters for "influencing voters", opposition officials said. British Ambassador James Dauris wrote on Twitter that it was "easy to understand why so many people are concerned about what might happen on Election Day". International monitors stay away Most poll monitors, including those from the European Union and the United Nations, declined the government's invitation to observe the election, fearing their presence might be used to endorse Yameen's re-election even after possible vote rigging. Rohana Hettiarachchi, a member of the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL), which was named as an election monitor, said his organisation could in fact not take part. "Our four members were invited and the Elections Commission published our name in the international monitors list. But we did not get the required visa," he told Reuters. Transparency Maldives, one of the few election monitors on the ground, said the initial vote had gone smoothly. The opposition's joint candidate, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, known as Ibu, told supporters he was confident of victory. "I appeal to everyone not to allow any space for unrest tomorrow," he told a rally on Saturday. "Let the voting end peacefully and let the people decide what they want. The people are hungry for a change." Yameen also urged voters to head to the polls and said he was confident of the work he had done in his first term in office to put the nation on a path of development. The country has been in political turmoil since February, when Yameen imposed a state of emergency to annul a Supreme Court ruling that quashed the convictions of nine opposition leaders, including Mohamed Nasheed, the country's first democratically-elected leader and former president. Yameen has disregarded calls from the United Nations, several Western countries and India for an amicable solution to the crisis. Ahead of the vote, Human Rights Watch urged foreign governments to press the Maldives to uphold democratic rights. "Should the Maldives government fail to do so, they should impose targeted sanctions, such as those proposed by the European Union, against senior ruling party officials implicated in abuses," the New York-based group said in a statement.

Opposition candidate takes early lead in Maldives Presidential election

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.

An election official said voting was extended due to technical glitches involving electronic voter registers, as well as a heavy voter turnout. Those in the queue to vote by 19:00 (1400GMT) would still be allowed to cast their ballots, he added.

More than a quarter of a million people were eligible to vote in around 400 polling booths across the coral islands.

Hundreds of people queued outside polling stations in the capital, Male, early on Sunday. On some islands, people started queuing on Saturday night.

Hardline President Abdulla Yameen is expected to cement his grip on power in the election.

The opposition and international groups have criticised for a lack of transparency and suppression of dissent.

A candidate must secure 50 per cent of the vote to win outright, failing which there would be a runoff three days later, according to election laws, but since there are only two candidates there will be no second round.

Yameen's government has jailed many of his main rivals, including former president and his half-brother, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, on charges ranging from terrorism to corruption.

The process is being closely watched by regional rivals India and China, who are jostling to influence Indian Ocean nations. The European Union and the United States, meanwhile, have threatened sanctions if the vote is not free and fair.

(With inputs from agencies)

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.

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. An election official said voting was extended due to technical glitches involving electronic voter registers, as well as a heavy voter turnout. Those in the queue to vote by 19:00 (1400GMT) would still be allowed to cast their ballots, he added. More than a quarter of a million people were eligible to vote in around 400 polling booths across the coral islands. Hundreds of people queued outside polling stations in the capital, Male, early on Sunday. On some islands, people started queuing on Saturday night. Hardline President Abdulla Yameen is expected to cement his grip on power in the election. The opposition and international groups have criticised for a lack of transparency and suppression of dissent. A candidate must secure 50 per cent of the vote to win outright, failing which there would be a runoff three days later, according to election laws, but since there are only two candidates there will be no second round. Yameen's government has jailed many of his main rivals, including former president and his half-brother, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, on charges ranging from terrorism to corruption. The process is being closely watched by regional rivals India and China, who are jostling to influence Indian Ocean nations. The European Union and the United States, meanwhile, have threatened sanctions if the vote is not free and fair. (With inputs from agencies)

Polls close in Maldives after heavy turnout: Official

Saudi Arabia is set to join the multibillion-dollar project China Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) as a third major economic partner.

In a tweet on September 20, PTI minister Fawad Chaudhry announced that Pakistan had invited Saudi Arabia to join CPEC as the third strategic partner.&nbsp;The decision was taken in alliance with China.

Saudi Arabia's decision to invest in the project came days after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Saudi and United Arab Emirates in his first foreign visit since assuming office.

Saudi's addition to the project is aimed at recovering&nbsp;the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government from the financial crunch faced by the country.

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Pakistan has invited Saudi Arabia to join CPEC as the 3rd strategic partner - Minister Information Fawad Chaudhry (20.09.18)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PTI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PTI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/fawadchaudhry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fawadchaudhry</a> <a href="https://t.co/vETts8eyhK">pic.twitter.com/vETts8eyhK</a>
— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1042744903904768001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Yes China has been taken into confidence, expansion of CPEC is in China and Pakistan interest. Pak ll be a centre of economic activity of this region, era of darkness is over. <a href="https://t.co/m8AvLIuAEJ">https://t.co/m8AvLIuAEJ</a>
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) <a href="https://twitter.com/fawadchaudhry/status/1043025612393181184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), China's flagship project under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will connect China's largest province Xinjiang with Pakistan's Gwadar port.

The $50-billion project will facilitate China's reach to the Arabian Sea.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia is set to join the multibillion-dollar project China Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) as a third major economic partner. In a tweet on September 20, PTI minister Fawad Chaudhry announced that Pakistan had invited Saudi Arabia to join CPEC as the third strategic partner.

Saudi Arabia is set to join the multibillion-dollar project China Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) as a third major economic partner. In a tweet on September 20, PTI minister Fawad Chaudhry announced that Pakistan had invited Saudi Arabia to join CPEC as the third strategic partner. The decision was taken in alliance with China. Saudi Arabia's decision to invest in the project came days after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Saudi and United Arab Emirates in his first foreign visit since assuming office. Saudi's addition to the project is aimed at recovering the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government from the financial crunch faced by the country. Pakistan has invited Saudi Arabia to join CPEC as the 3rd strategic partner - Minister Information Fawad Chaudhry (20.09.18)#PTI @fawadchaudhry pic.twitter.com/vETts8eyhK — PTI (@PTIofficial) September 20, 2018 × Yes China has been taken into confidence, expansion of CPEC is in China and Pakistan interest. Pak ll be a centre of economic activity of this region, era of darkness is over. https://t.co/m8AvLIuAEJ — Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) September 21, 2018 × The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), China's flagship project under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will connect China's largest province Xinjiang with Pakistan's Gwadar port. The $50-billion project will facilitate China's reach to the Arabian Sea.

Saudi Arabia to join CPEC project as third economic partner: Pakistan government

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-opposition-holds-imran-khan-responsible-diplomatic-debacle-india-167264">Pak opposition holds Imran Khan responsible for 'diplomatic debacle' with India</a>

Pakistan's two major opposition parties have questioned the "haste" shown by Prime Minister Imran Khan in making efforts to mend ties with India and held him responsible for the "diplomatic debacle", saying he should have done his "homework" before approaching India for a meeting.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-has-taken-right-decision-army-chief-bipin-rawat-india-cancelling-indo-pak-talks">Govt has taken right decision: Army Chief Bipin Rawat on India cancelling Indo-Pak talks</a>

Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat has said the "government has taken the right decision" in cancelling the meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-votes-incumbent-yameen-expected-cement-grip-power-167251">Maldives votes, incumbent Yameen expected to cement grip on power</a>

The Maldives voted on Sunday in an election in which hardline President Abdulla Yameen is expected to cement his grip on power but which opposition and international groups have criticised for a lack of transparency and suppression of dissent.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ready-war-choose-walk-path-peace-pakistan-army-167221">'Ready for war' but choose to walk </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ready-war-choose-walk-path-peace-pakistan-army-167221">path</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ready-war-choose-walk-path-peace-pakistan-army-167221"> of peace: Pakistan Army</a>

The Pakistan Army on Saturday said it is "ready for war" but chooses to walk the path of peace in the interest of its people, comments which came in response to Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's remark that "stern action" is needed to "avenge" the brutal killing of Indian soldiers.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-accuses-us-backed-gulf-arab-states-carrying-out-attack-military-parade-167253">Iran's Khamenei accuses US-backed Gulf Arab states of carrying out attack on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-accuses-us-backed-gulf-arab-states-carrying-out-attack-military-parade-167253">military</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-accuses-us-backed-gulf-arab-states-carrying-out-attack-military-parade-167253"> parade</a>

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused US-backed Gulf Arab states of carrying out a shooting attack on a military parade that killed 25 people, almost half of them members of the country's elite Revolutionary Guards.

Pak opposition holds Imran Khan responsible for 'diplomatic debacle' with India Pakistan's two major opposition parties have questioned the "haste" shown by Prime Minister Imran Khan in making efforts to mend ties with India and held him responsible for the "diplomatic debacle", saying he should have done his "homework" before approaching India for a meeting.

Pak opposition holds Imran Khan responsible for 'diplomatic debacle' with India Pakistan's two major opposition parties have questioned the "haste" shown by Prime Minister Imran Khan in making efforts to mend ties with India and held him responsible for the "diplomatic debacle", saying he should have done his "homework" before approaching India for a meeting. Govt has taken right decision: Army Chief Bipin Rawat on India cancelling Indo-Pak talks Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat has said the "government has taken the right decision" in cancelling the meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan. Maldives votes, incumbent Yameen expected to cement grip on power The Maldives voted on Sunday in an election in which hardline President Abdulla Yameen is expected to cement his grip on power but which opposition and international groups have criticised for a lack of transparency and suppression of dissent. 'Ready for war' but choose to walk path of peace: Pakistan Army The Pakistan Army on Saturday said it is "ready for war" but chooses to walk the path of peace in the interest of its people, comments which came in response to Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's remark that "stern action" is needed to "avenge" the brutal killing of Indian soldiers. Iran's Khamenei accuses US-backed Gulf Arab states of carrying out attack on military parade Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused US-backed Gulf Arab states of carrying out a shooting attack on a military parade that killed 25 people, almost half of them members of the country's elite Revolutionary Guards.

The Maldives voted on Sunday in an election in which hardline President Abdulla Yameen is expected to cement his grip on power but which opposition and international groups have criticised for a lack of transparency and suppression of dissent.

The Muslim-majority Indian Ocean nation has become a theater of rivalry between its traditional partner, India, and China, which has backed Yameen's infrastructure drive, and prompted concern in the West about Beijing's increasing influence.

Yameen's government has jailed many of his main rivals, including former president and his half brother, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, on charges ranging from terrorism to corruption.

The opposition's joint candidate, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, known as Ibu, told supporters he was confident of victory.

More than a quarter of a million people were eligible to vote in around 400 polling booths across the coral islands, best known in the West for their luxury resorts.

Hundreds of people queued outside polling stations in the capital, Male, early on Sunday. On some islands, people started queuing on Saturday night.

The Maldives voted on Sunday in an election in which hardline President Abdulla Yameen is expected to cement his grip on power but which opposition and international groups have criticised for a lack of transparency and suppression of dissent.

The Maldives voted on Sunday in an election in which hardline President Abdulla Yameen is expected to cement his grip on power but which opposition and international groups have criticised for a lack of transparency and suppression of dissent. The Muslim-majority Indian Ocean nation has become a theater of rivalry between its traditional partner, India, and China, which has backed Yameen's infrastructure drive, and prompted concern in the West about Beijing's increasing influence. Yameen's government has jailed many of his main rivals, including former president and his half brother, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, on charges ranging from terrorism to corruption. The opposition's joint candidate, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, known as Ibu, told supporters he was confident of victory. More than a quarter of a million people were eligible to vote in around 400 polling booths across the coral islands, best known in the West for their luxury resorts. Hundreds of people queued outside polling stations in the capital, Male, early on Sunday. On some islands, people started queuing on Saturday night.

Maldives votes, incumbent Yameen expected to cement grip on power

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.

Now, five years after skillfully manoeuvering his way to the top, the 59-year-old is on the cusp of being elected on Sunday to a second five-year term running the Indian Ocean archipelago beloved of foreign tourists.

All of his main rivals are either behind bars or in exile, local media are scared to be critical -- and even to report on the opposition -- and the electoral system has been rigged, his opponents claim.

Adding to the alarm of the United States, the European Union and regional heavyweight India, Yameen has also cosied up to China, using cheap credit from Beijing for a blitz of infrastructure building.

"When I was first sworn into office, our nation was in disarray. The state institutions were in chaos, and the institutions were... on the brink of collapse," Yameen said in a recent address to the nation.

Now though after five years, he had restored "stability and economic prosperity" to the nation of 340,000 people and more than 1,000 coral islands, he said.

- Family business - 
Until 10 years ago, Yameen was just the half-brother of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, president from 1978 until 2008.

After working as a surveyor, Yameen got his first taste of government under Gayoom, serving in his cabinet as a trade minister and as employment minister.

But Gayoom was defeated at the country's first democratic election in 2008 and his young challenger Mohamed Nasheed became a reformist president.

However, Nasheed stepped down in 2012 after protests that he said were instigated by Gayoom.

Yameen stood in elections the following year, in which Nasheed won the first round, but the Supreme Court annulled the result.

A subsequent vote was then twice delayed, allowing Yameen time to forge alliances that helped him narrowly win a contested run-off.

When he was inaugurated, diplomats in nearby Sri Lanka thought Yameen would end up being a puppet of Gayoom, but the new president soon showed that he was his own man.

Early evidence that he meant business came in September 2015 when after an alleged assassination attempt involving a blast on his yacht, Yameen had his deputy Ahmed Adeeb jailed.

Then in February this year, Yameen showed how ruthless he could be when the Supreme Court moved to overturn convictions of his rivals, setting up a possible impeachment by his opponents in parliament.

Yameen hit back by declaring a state of emergency, suspending the constitution, arresting the Chief Justice and another judge of the Supreme Court and sending troops to take over parliament.

His aged half-brother Gayoom was jailed for allegedly conspiring with the Supreme Court to topple him.

The crackdown was condemned by the US and the EU, and described by the UN human rights chief as "an all-out assault on democracy".

- 'Holding a fish' - 
Undeterred, Yameen had consistently ignored the international pressure.

"It is... important that friends and partners in the international community, including India, refrain from any actions that could hinder resolving the situation facing the country," the foreign ministry said in a statement after the state of emergency was imposed.

The man who would have been Yameen's main rival in Sunday's election, former president Nasheed, is living in exile after being sentenced to 13 years in prison for a terrorism conviction which the UN says was politically motivated.

"Yameen is a very clever manipulator and a very intelligent person, but unfortunately he has a criminal mind," said Ahmed Naseem, a former foreign minister and opposition activist.

"He is not a charismatic popular figure. Even when he tries to carry a baby, it looks like he is holding a fish." 
&nbsp;

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.

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. Now, five years after skillfully manoeuvering his way to the top, the 59-year-old is on the cusp of being elected on Sunday to a second five-year term running the Indian Ocean archipelago beloved of foreign tourists. All of his main rivals are either behind bars or in exile, local media are scared to be critical -- and even to report on the opposition -- and the electoral system has been rigged, his opponents claim. Adding to the alarm of the United States, the European Union and regional heavyweight India, Yameen has also cosied up to China, using cheap credit from Beijing for a blitz of infrastructure building. "When I was first sworn into office, our nation was in disarray. The state institutions were in chaos, and the institutions were... on the brink of collapse," Yameen said in a recent address to the nation. Now though after five years, he had restored "stability and economic prosperity" to the nation of 340,000 people and more than 1,000 coral islands, he said. - Family business - Until 10 years ago, Yameen was just the half-brother of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, president from 1978 until 2008. After working as a surveyor, Yameen got his first taste of government under Gayoom, serving in his cabinet as a trade minister and as employment minister. But Gayoom was defeated at the country's first democratic election in 2008 and his young challenger Mohamed Nasheed became a reformist president. However, Nasheed stepped down in 2012 after protests that he said were instigated by Gayoom. Yameen stood in elections the following year, in which Nasheed won the first round, but the Supreme Court annulled the result. A subsequent vote was then twice delayed, allowing Yameen time to forge alliances that helped him narrowly win a contested run-off. When he was inaugurated, diplomats in nearby Sri Lanka thought Yameen would end up being a puppet of Gayoom, but the new president soon showed that he was his own man. Early evidence that he meant business came in September 2015 when after an alleged assassination attempt involving a blast on his yacht, Yameen had his deputy Ahmed Adeeb jailed. Then in February this year, Yameen showed how ruthless he could be when the Supreme Court moved to overturn convictions of his rivals, setting up a possible impeachment by his opponents in parliament. Yameen hit back by declaring a state of emergency, suspending the constitution, arresting the Chief Justice and another judge of the Supreme Court and sending troops to take over parliament. His aged half-brother Gayoom was jailed for allegedly conspiring with the Supreme Court to topple him. The crackdown was condemned by the US and the EU, and described by the UN human rights chief as "an all-out assault on democracy". - 'Holding a fish' - Undeterred, Yameen had consistently ignored the international pressure. "It is... important that friends and partners in the international community, including India, refrain from any actions that could hinder resolving the situation facing the country," the foreign ministry said in a statement after the state of emergency was imposed. The man who would have been Yameen's main rival in Sunday's election, former president Nasheed, is living in exile after being sentenced to 13 years in prison for a terrorism conviction which the UN says was politically motivated. "Yameen is a very clever manipulator and a very intelligent person, but unfortunately he has a criminal mind," said Ahmed Naseem, a former foreign minister and opposition activist. "He is not a charismatic popular figure. Even when he tries to carry a baby, it looks like he is holding a fish."

Abdulla Yameen, unlikely Maldives strongman

Maldives strongman Abdulla Yameen seeks a second term as president Sunday in a tourist paradise that has become a battleground for influence between regional giants India and China, and a source of global alarm over political oppression and a muzzling of the media.

With all his main rivals in prison or in exile, the odds appear stacked in the Beijing-friendly incumbent's favour, and warnings of punitive action from the international community have been flowing in even before a single ballot has been cast.

The EU has said it is ready to slap travel bans and asset freezes on individuals "if the situation does not improve", while the US has warned it would "consider appropriate measures" against people undermining democracy and rule of law.

India, long influential in Maldives affairs -- it sent troops and warships in 1988 to stop a coup attempt -- has also expressed misgivings.

But with China bankrolling Yameen's regime to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars in loans, his grip on the honeymoon archipelago of nearly 1,200 coral islands appears unlikely to loosen.

Battered by years of violent intimidation, spurious arrests and enforced exile, the opposition has united behind a joint candidate -- the little-known Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

But voters would be hard-pressed to notice, with heavy-handed decrees and reporting restrictions stifling a media already fearful of doing anything to offend the president of the Muslim nation of 340,000 people.

The government has used "vaguely worded laws to silence dissent and to intimidate and imprison critics", some of whom have been assaulted and even murdered, according to Human Rights Watch.

"The election campaign reporting is severely restricted by the defamation law.&nbsp;This is not fair reporting, but we have no choice," one local journalist told AFP, preferring to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions.

"We can't even use social media to talk about opposition politicians," the reporter said.

Even publishing photos of people wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the faces of jailed politicians is off-limits.

Few foreign journalists seeking to cover the election have been granted visas, and in many cases only at the last minute, anecdotal information suggests.

The opposition says that the result will be to reduce "independent scrutiny of the vote and President Yameen's likely attempts to steal it."

Activists told HRW&nbsp;that new rules could also hamper the ability of observers to follow the counting process, raising fears that the election will be rigged, the watchdog said.

The accusations follow a familiar pattern for Yameen, 59, who was accused of grabbing power in controversial circumstances in 2013 when the Supreme Court annulled a vote count he was losing.

A subsequent poll was then delayed twice as Yameen forged new alliances before narrowly winning a contested run-off against ex-president Mohamed Nasheed -- now in exile following a 2015 terrorism conviction.

Meanwhile he has used cheap Chinese credit to invest in infrastructure, like the new "China-Maldives Friendship Bridge" and a major expansion of the main airport that originally India was to undertake.

Flanked by Chinese officials at the $200-million bridge's inauguration in August, Yameen hailed "the dawn of a new era".

But his close ties has raised fears that, like other countries enjoying Beijing's "Belt&nbsp;and&nbsp;Road&nbsp;Initiative" largesse, the Maldives may find itself in a Chinese debt trap.

Last year Sri Lanka, which like the Maldives straddles east-west maritime trade routes, granted China a 99-year lease on a new, $1.4-billion deep-sea port because it couldn't pay its debts.

Since taking office Yameen has also cracked down on dissent, imposing a 45-day state of emergency in February described by the UN human rights chief as "an all-out assault on democracy".

The drastic measures, taken after a court ordered that sacked MPs be restored and dissidents freed from jail, were seen by opponents as a move to head off attempts to impeach him.

Even family members have not been spared, with Yameen's half-brother Maumoon Abdul Gayoom -- who was president from 1978 to 2008 -- subsequently arrested, along with the&nbsp;Maldives' chief justice and Supreme Court judges.

There have been allegations of corruption too, with a report this week claiming Yameen benefited from the lucrative leasing of islands and lagoons to developers. He has denied any involvement.

Maldives strongman Abdulla Yameen seeks a second term as president Sunday in a tourist paradise that has become a battleground for influence between regional giants India and China, and a source of global alarm over political oppression and a muzzling of the media.

Maldives strongman Abdulla Yameen seeks a second term as president Sunday in a tourist paradise that has become a battleground for influence between regional giants India and China, and a source of global alarm over political oppression and a muzzling of the media. With all his main rivals in prison or in exile, the odds appear stacked in the Beijing-friendly incumbent's favour, and warnings of punitive action from the international community have been flowing in even before a single ballot has been cast. The EU has said it is ready to slap travel bans and asset freezes on individuals "if the situation does not improve", while the US has warned it would "consider appropriate measures" against people undermining democracy and rule of law. India, long influential in Maldives affairs -- it sent troops and warships in 1988 to stop a coup attempt -- has also expressed misgivings. But with China bankrolling Yameen's regime to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars in loans, his grip on the honeymoon archipelago of nearly 1,200 coral islands appears unlikely to loosen. Battered by years of violent intimidation, spurious arrests and enforced exile, the opposition has united behind a joint candidate -- the little-known Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. But voters would be hard-pressed to notice, with heavy-handed decrees and reporting restrictions stifling a media already fearful of doing anything to offend the president of the Muslim nation of 340,000 people. The government has used "vaguely worded laws to silence dissent and to intimidate and imprison critics", some of whom have been assaulted and even murdered, according to Human Rights Watch. "The election campaign reporting is severely restricted by the defamation law. This is not fair reporting, but we have no choice," one local journalist told AFP, preferring to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions. "We can't even use social media to talk about opposition politicians," the reporter said. Even publishing photos of people wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the faces of jailed politicians is off-limits. Few foreign journalists seeking to cover the election have been granted visas, and in many cases only at the last minute, anecdotal information suggests. The opposition says that the result will be to reduce "independent scrutiny of the vote and President Yameen's likely attempts to steal it." Activists told HRW that new rules could also hamper the ability of observers to follow the counting process, raising fears that the election will be rigged, the watchdog said. The accusations follow a familiar pattern for Yameen, 59, who was accused of grabbing power in controversial circumstances in 2013 when the Supreme Court annulled a vote count he was losing. A subsequent poll was then delayed twice as Yameen forged new alliances before narrowly winning a contested run-off against ex-president Mohamed Nasheed -- now in exile following a 2015 terrorism conviction. Meanwhile he has used cheap Chinese credit to invest in infrastructure, like the new "China-Maldives Friendship Bridge" and a major expansion of the main airport that originally India was to undertake. Flanked by Chinese officials at the $200-million bridge's inauguration in August, Yameen hailed "the dawn of a new era". But his close ties has raised fears that, like other countries enjoying Beijing's "Belt and Road Initiative" largesse, the Maldives may find itself in a Chinese debt trap. Last year Sri Lanka, which like the Maldives straddles east-west maritime trade routes, granted China a 99-year lease on a new, $1.4-billion deep-sea port because it couldn't pay its debts. Since taking office Yameen has also cracked down on dissent, imposing a 45-day state of emergency in February described by the UN human rights chief as "an all-out assault on democracy". The drastic measures, taken after a court ordered that sacked MPs be restored and dissidents freed from jail, were seen by opponents as a move to head off attempts to impeach him. Even family members have not been spared, with Yameen's half-brother Maumoon Abdul Gayoom -- who was president from 1978 to 2008 -- subsequently arrested, along with the Maldives' chief justice and Supreme Court judges. There have been allegations of corruption too, with a report this week claiming Yameen benefited from the lucrative leasing of islands and lagoons to developers. He has denied any involvement.

Maldives leader looks to tighten grip as opposition muzzled

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.&nbsp;

The Maldives on Sunday will hold its third-ever multiparty presidential election.

Opposition parties from across Maldivian politics have formed a united front to oust the president, Abdulla Yameen, whose government has been accused of crushing dissent, corruption and jailing electoral opponents on flimsy grounds.

They have nominated a senior MP, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, to run against Yameen.

Mohammad Nasheed, the country's first freely elected president after 30 years of authoritarian rule, told reporters in Colombo that "Yameen will lose the election, but he will hold onto power.&nbsp;

Nasheed, 51, was forced to quit his office in 2012 in what supporters&nbsp;regard as a coup, and was narrowly defeated by Yameen in a presidential poll the following year. He was convicted of terrorism in a dubious trial in 2015 and now lives in exile in Sri Lanka.

He urged the international community not to accept the result. He said that India must exert its influence to ensure a free and fair election.&nbsp;

He stressed the lack of credible international monitoring of the election.&nbsp; 
He said there was no chance for the incumbent to win the election due to all opposing parties getting together.&nbsp;

"Mathematically, it is not possible for Yameen to win because all opposition parties are united against him. But the results they will announce will be different to what is actually in the ballot boxes," he said.

"The election in the Maldives is not just about less than half a million Maldivians," Nasheed said. "It is also about the stability of the Indian Ocean region where there is a cold war between India and China."

Nasheed charged that Yameen was being backed by China which wants to retain its infrastructure contracts in the country.

The United Nations has branded Nasheed's conviction and the jailing for 13 years as politically motivated.

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 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. The Maldives on Sunday will hold its third-ever multiparty presidential election. Opposition parties from across Maldivian politics have formed a united front to oust the president, Abdulla Yameen, whose government has been accused of crushing dissent, corruption and jailing electoral opponents on flimsy grounds. They have nominated a senior MP, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, to run against Yameen. Mohammad Nasheed, the country's first freely elected president after 30 years of authoritarian rule, told reporters in Colombo that "Yameen will lose the election, but he will hold onto power. Nasheed, 51, was forced to quit his office in 2012 in what supporters regard as a coup, and was narrowly defeated by Yameen in a presidential poll the following year. He was convicted of terrorism in a dubious trial in 2015 and now lives in exile in Sri Lanka. He urged the international community not to accept the result. He said that India must exert its influence to ensure a free and fair election. He stressed the lack of credible international monitoring of the election. He said there was no chance for the incumbent to win the election due to all opposing parties getting together. "Mathematically, it is not possible for Yameen to win because all opposition parties are united against him. But the results they will announce will be different to what is actually in the ballot boxes," he said. "The election in the Maldives is not just about less than half a million Maldivians," Nasheed said. "It is also about the stability of the Indian Ocean region where there is a cold war between India and China." Nasheed charged that Yameen was being backed by China which wants to retain its infrastructure contracts in the country. The United Nations has branded Nasheed's conviction and the jailing for 13 years as politically motivated.

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

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&nbsp;

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US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says North Korea sanctions to remain until complete denuclearisation Tough sanctions will remain on North Korea until its complete denuclearisation, the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday, apparently contradicting the North's view that the process agreed at this week's summit would be phased and reciprocal. Maldives government imposes 'informal ban' on work permits to Indians In a development that can further deteriorate the already fractured relationship between India and Maldives, Male has imposed an informal ban on work permits to Indians. The ban was imposed three months ago. UN report on J&K is fallacious, tendentious and motivated: India India today rejected the United Nations report which called for an inquiry into abuses in "Indian-administered Kashmir" as well as "Pakistan-administered Kashmir". J&K: Terrorists abduct Indian Army soldier from Pulwama Terrorists have abducted an Indian Army soldier from Kalampora area in Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K).The soldier named Aurangzeb belongs to 4 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry and was posted to 44 Rashtriya Rifles. Pakistan SC withdraws directive allowing Musharraf to file nomination papers after he fails to appear Pakistan's Supreme Court on Thursday withdrew a conditional permission for former military ruler Pervez Musharraf to contest elections after he failed to appear in court.

In a development that can further deteriorate the already fractured relationship between India and &nbsp;Maldives, Male has imposed an informal ban on work permits to Indians.&nbsp;

The ban was imposed three months ago.

The ban came to came to light when Alexander Blair, General manager of the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort on LinkedIn asked for Indians Chef but not with Indian passport.

"The Maldives finest address has an opportunity for an outstanding Indian speciality chef. Unfortunately, with the current situation that work permits are not being granted to Indian Nationals, we are ideally searching for an Indian who is holding another passport or is the spouse of a Maldivian," he wrote on LinkedIn.&nbsp;

Several Indians are expected to be impacted by this informal ban. Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000. Indian expatriate community consists of workers as well as professionals like doctors, teachers, accountants, managers, engineers, nurses and technicians etcetera spread over several islands. Of the country’s approximately 400 doctors, over 125 are Indians. Similarly, around 25 per cent of teachers in the Maldives are Indians, mostly at middle and senior levels.

The Maldives has been a preferred destination for Indian tourists while India has been a preferred destination for Maldivians for education, medical treatment, recreation and business. The number of Maldivians seeking a long-term visa for pursuing higher studies/medical treatment in India has shown a sharp increase over the last two years. Recently, Maldives asked India to take back 2 of its military helicopters which were gifted by New Delhi.

But ties at the political level has deteriorated. Especially after President Yameen dismissed the February 1 order which called for freeing the opposition leaders and quashing the case against former president Mohamed Nasheed. Instead, Chief justice of Supreme court and former President Gayoom has been sentenced. India has reacted sharply to this latest development.&nbsp;

New Delhi said that its deep dismay by the sentence handed over to former President of the Maldives as well as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court without a fair trial. India said that it casts doubt on the commitment of the Government of the Maldives to uphold the rule of law and will also call into question the credibility of the entire process of Presidential elections in September this year.

Since the beginning of the political crisis in the Maldives, India has repeatedly urged the Government of the Maldives to allow all institutions, including the Supreme Court and the Parliament, to function in a free and independent manner, and to permit genuine political dialogue between all political parties. This has also been the demand of the international community at large.

Impact of the ban on work permits to Indians is also quite negative for the investors and its investment-friendly image. By such political measures, the government is interfering in day to day HR and management of the business. All foreign investors in the Maldives, depend on the supply of cost-effective, competent professional manpower from India, given its large pool of technical manpower. In hurting Indians, Abdulla Yameen is actually hurting Maldivian business companies and foreign investor in tourism, construction, ICT, health and education sector.

This is the first time people to people contacts have been disrupted between the two countries. Despite a breakdown in New Delhi Male relationship, people to people contact have been good. With this move by Male, the relationship is headed for much worse time.

In a development that can further deteriorate the already fractured relationship between India and Maldives, Male has imposed an informal ban on work permits to Indians. The ban was imposed three months ago. The ban came to came to light when Alexander Blair, General manager of the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort on LinkedIn asked for Indians Chef but not with Indian passport. "The Maldives finest address has an opportunity for an outstanding Indian speciality chef. Unfortunately, with the current situation that work permits are not being granted to Indian Nationals, we are ideally searching for an Indian who is holding another passport or is the spouse of a Maldivian," he wrote on LinkedIn. Several Indians are expected to be impacted by this informal ban. Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000. Indian expatriate community consists of workers as well as professionals like doctors, teachers, accountants, managers, engineers, nurses and technicians etcetera spread over several islands. Of the country’s approximately 400 doctors, over 125 are Indians. Similarly, around 25 per cent of teachers in the Maldives are Indians, mostly at middle and senior levels. The Maldives has been a preferred destination for Indian tourists while India has been a preferred destination for Maldivians for education, medical treatment, recreation and business. The number of Maldivians seeking a long-term visa for pursuing higher studies/medical treatment in India has shown a sharp increase over the last two years. Recently, Maldives asked India to take back 2 of its military helicopters which were gifted by New Delhi. But ties at the political level has deteriorated. Especially after President Yameen dismissed the February 1 order which called for freeing the opposition leaders and quashing the case against former president Mohamed Nasheed. Instead, Chief justice of Supreme court and former President Gayoom has been sentenced. India has reacted sharply to this latest development. New Delhi said that its deep dismay by the sentence handed over to former President of the Maldives as well as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court without a fair trial. India said that it casts doubt on the commitment of the Government of the Maldives to uphold the rule of law and will also call into question the credibility of the entire process of Presidential elections in September this year. Since the beginning of the political crisis in the Maldives, India has repeatedly urged the Government of the Maldives to allow all institutions, including the Supreme Court and the Parliament, to function in a free and independent manner, and to permit genuine political dialogue between all political parties. This has also been the demand of the international community at large. Impact of the ban on work permits to Indians is also quite negative for the investors and its investment-friendly image. By such political measures, the government is interfering in day to day HR and management of the business. All foreign investors in the Maldives, depend on the supply of cost-effective, competent professional manpower from India, given its large pool of technical manpower. In hurting Indians, Abdulla Yameen is actually hurting Maldivian business companies and foreign investor in tourism, construction, ICT, health and education sector. This is the first time people to people contacts have been disrupted between the two countries. Despite a breakdown in New Delhi Male relationship, people to people contact have been good. With this move by Male, the relationship is headed for much worse time.

Maldives government imposes 'informal ban' on work permits to Indians

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&nbsp

CBI requests Interpol for Red Corner Notice against Nirav Modi's brother Nishal India's premier investigating agency the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) has requested the Interpol to issue a Red Corner Notice(RCN) against Nirav Modi's brother Nishal Modi and his company executive Suresh Shankar. Mumbai: Fire at Prabhadevi high rise contained, no loss of life reported According to reports, fire at Mumbai's BeauMonde Towers has been contained. A major fire broke out on the top floor of a high rise building in Mumbai's Prabhadevi area on Wednesday. Level - II fire broke out in BeauMonde Towers at Appasaheb Marathe Marg in Prabhadevi locality, Worli, ANI reported. Fernando Hierro named new coach after Spain sacks Julen Lopetegui Former Spanish footballer Fernando Hierro on Wednesday was announced as the new coach of Spain football team, hours after association sacked Julen Lopetegui. Maldives: Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom sentenced to jail According to reports, former President of the Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has been sentenced to jail. Maumoon will serve a total of 1 year 7 months and 6 days in jail. 'North Korea no longer a nuclear threat,' says Trump President Trump said today that North Korea is no longer a nuclear threat as he arrived at US Air Force base in Maryland after successfully concluded his meeting with Kim Jong-un on Tuesday.

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According to reports, former President of the Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has been sentenced to jail. Maumoon will serve a total of 1 year 7 months and 6 days in jail. 
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Abdulla Saeed and judge Ali Hameed of the Supreme Court of Maldives have also been sentenced.

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom imposed a state of emergency on February 5 for 15 days to annul a February 1 Supreme Court ruling that quashed convictions against nine opposition leaders and ordered his government to free those held in prison.&nbsp;

He later extended the state of emergency for another 30 days with parliament approval, a move challenged by the opposition.&nbsp;

Under the emergency, Yameen’s administration arrested former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the chief justice, another Supreme Court judge, and a Supreme Court administrator on allegations of attempting to overthrow the government. They have all rejected the charges.&nbsp;

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Abdulla Saeed and judge Ali Hameed of the Supreme Court of Maldives have also been sentenced

According to reports, former President of the Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has been sentenced to jail. Maumoon will serve a total of 1 year 7 months and 6 days in jail. Abdulla Saeed and judge Ali Hameed of the Supreme Court of Maldives have also been sentenced. Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom imposed a state of emergency on February 5 for 15 days to annul a February 1 Supreme Court ruling that quashed convictions against nine opposition leaders and ordered his government to free those held in prison. He later extended the state of emergency for another 30 days with parliament approval, a move challenged by the opposition. Under the emergency, Yameen’s administration arrested former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the chief justice, another Supreme Court judge, and a Supreme Court administrator on allegations of attempting to overthrow the government. They have all rejected the charges.

Maldives: Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom sentenced to jail 

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