Statement by IDU Chairman Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper on the Presidential Election in the Maldives

“The people of the Maldives have voted for change, freedom and democracy.”

On September 23rd 2018, the Maldives held a presidential election, resulting in a landslide victory for the IDU-member Maldivian Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. IDU Chairman Stephen Harper praised the result, noting that “the people of the Maldives have voted change, freedom and democracy.”

President-elect Solih took 58% of the vote, decisively defeating the incumbent President, who received only 42%. At 90%, the participation rate underscores the desire of Maldivians for democratic change, an effective fight against corruption, and an end to the unlawful imprisonment of opposition members.

The IDU congratulates president-elect Solih and wishes the people of the Maldives a peaceful transition period and the successful establishment of a new democratic government. The IDU is proud to have the MDP, which has proven to be a champion of freedom, among its members.

The IDU is the world’s leading association of conservative, Christian-democratic, and centre-right political parties. With more than 80 member parties around the world, the IDU connects conservatives globally in support of freedom and democracy. www.idu.org