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. Solih's party is seeking at least 44 seats for a majority to pass legislation needed to implement pledges from last year's presidential campaign. His coalition currently has 52 seats, but one partner with 22 seats is aligned with former strongman Yameen Abdul Gayoom. Solih promised reforms, an end to political influence over the courts, police and the bureaucracy, and the recovery of money lost through corruption.

Source: ABC News April 07, 2019 05:42 UTC