Maldives: The presidential poll with India and China on the ballot - BBC News

The Maldives presidential election will also decide who gets the advantage in the strategically located islands.
1 day agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, China and India are front and centre of the Maldives' colourful election this monthBy Anbarasan EthirajanBBC NewsThe Maldives, best known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs and diverse marine life, is the last place you would expect a geopolitical rivalry to play out.
The island nation which consists of about 1,200 coral islands and atolls in the middle of the Indian Ocean will see a run-off poll between President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and opposition candidate Mohamed Muizzu on 30 September.
But also on the ballot are India and China.
Both countries are trying to strengthen their presence in the strategically located islands which straddle busy east-west shipping lanes.
Maldives' two presidential contenders, who have been crisscrossing the islands by airplanes and boats to canvass voters, each represent a different Asian power.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-66909240?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA
Rating: 5