The PPM-PNC presidential candidate, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has expressed his satisfaction with emerging as the frontrunner in Saturday's presidential election, even in the face of significant government influence over the electoral process.
The provisional results of the election show Dr. Muzzu received 46 percent of the votes (100,342 votes) while the incumbent president, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, received 39 percent of the votes (84,805 votes). Since no candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote, a second round of voting has been confirmed.
Speaking to reporters for the first time since the election results earlier on Sunday, Dr. Muizzu conveyed his gratitude for the trust and support he received from the people. He attributed the election results to the dedicated efforts of the people. He acknowledged that government employees had faced significant influence and pressure during the election process. Despite this, the election results reflect the people's desire for a change in leadership, he said.
"The people prioritized protecting national sovereignty and giving the people back their own country. The people have set a powerful example," he said.
Dr.Muizzu further expressed his hopes of securing victory in the second round of elections. He said he hoped that Maldives would move forward in development by providing the people with the opportunity to live freely. He stressed the need for concerted efforts to overcome the country's current challenges and revitalize the economy.
