Crucial Presidential Election opens in Maldives as pro-India, pro-China candidates battle

Colombo (News 1st) -  A crucial presidential election opened in the Maldives Saturday with deep geopolitical considerations, as pro-India and pro-China candidates vied for the mandate.
President Ibrahim Solih, widely viewed as pro-India, is facing off against seven challengers, of whom the main Opposition candidate Mohamed Muiz, the mayor of the capital Male, is viewed as pro-China.
The two Asian superpowers have hotly contested for influence over the strategic South Asian island nation, for many years pouring development funds for various infrastructure projects.
This has traditionally been India’s sphere of influence. But the last president, Abdullah Yameen, steered a pro-China course until he was replaced by Solih.
The latest polls showed Solih marginally ahead of Muiz.
A candidate must poll 50% of the vote. If no candidate does so, there would be a run-off election later this month with just the top two candidates from this election.