Maldives votes in the shadow of India-China rivalry

MALÉ, Apr 21: The Maldives voted enthusiastically Sunday in a parliamentary election set to test President Mohamed Muizzus tilt towards China and away from regional powerhouse and traditional benefactor India.

Among the first to vote was Muizzu, 45, who cast his ballot at the Tajuddin school in the capital Male and urged Maldivians to ensure a high turnout -- which would be expected to favour him.

"All citizens should come out and exercise their right to vote as soon as possible," Muizzu told reporters after casting his ballot in the capital Male, where he was mayor before winning a presidential election in September.
Election chief Fuad Thaufeeq said after polls closed that turnout had already reached 73 percent of the 284,663 electorate when half an hour of voting remained.    —AFP