Voting is underway in the Maldives in a parliamentary election many hope would help President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih to overcome a coalition split that has hampered his efforts to restore political freedoms and tackle corruption. (Mohamed Sharuhaan/Associated Press)MALE, Maldives — Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s party declared a sweeping parliamentary election victory Sunday that could give him a free hand in efforts to restore political freedoms and tackle corruption. Local media reports said Solih’s Maldivian Democratic Party was leading in 60 of the 87 seats in parliament following Saturday’s vote. His coalition currently has 52 seats, but one partner with 22 seats is aligned with former strongman Yameen Abdul Gayoom. Solih was only a fallback choice as president for his party because charismatic former President Mohamed Nasheed was sentenced to prison under Yameen and was ineligible to run.

Source: Washington Post April 07, 2019 05:45 UTC