Maldives will have a run-off election on 29 October

On 10 October 2008 sources indicated that the Maldives will have a run-off election on 29 October. None of the six candidates that ran for president received 50 percent of the vote, which was needed to become the new president according to the new constitution that was ratified in August 2008. Incumbent President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom received approximately 41 percent for the votes, followed by opposition candidate Mohammed Nasheed, who received approximately 25 percent. The two candidates will run against each other in the next election. The commissioner stated that the election was free and fair and voter turnout was high. Approximately 85 percent of those eligible voted in the election.