The September presidential elections in Maldives will influence the country's position amid growing competition between India and China for influence on the island nation. While a victory by the ruling party would keep Male close to New Delhi, a victory by the opposition could improve ties with Beijing. The Maldives will hold elections on Sept. 9 to elect its fourth president since the country instituted a multi-party presidential system in 2008. Incumbent president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih from the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will be seeking a second five-year term. Solih's predecessor, former President Abdullah Yameen from the opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), will be his main challenger. Both sides face obstacles that could undermine their electoral prospects ahead of the ballot -- with the MDP facing internal divisions that could split the vote, as the PPM scrambles to free its candidate from prison. ...
