Maldives will see run-off election

Mohamed Nasheed, the ousted leader of the Maldives, appeared to have won the first round of the country’s presidential election but fell short of an absolute majority. Nasheed had about 45% according to the news site Haveeru Online, which had election observers across the archipelago. Incumbent Mohamed Waheed Hassan, 60, was at 6%. Former president Abdul Gayoom's half-brother, Abdulla Yameen, appeared to have reached a second round against Nasheed with 26% of the vote. Wealthy resort owner Gasim Ibrahim was a close third with 25%. It was not known when official final results would be issued. With no candidate topping 50 per cent, the top two vote-getters will go to a runoff on September 28. Local observers expect the eliminated candidates to throw their support to Yameen.