Since there was no clear winner securing over 50% of the votes, a run off was scheduled for October 28 between Gayoom, who received 40.61% of the votes and Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) of the Maldivian Democratic Party, who received 25.08% of the votes.
In the first round there were five opposition candidates and it was believed that the votes of the people who want change were divided among them. However, almost all opposition candidates came together in an alliance that was backing Nasheed. The opposition groups were quick to point out that since Gayoom received only 40%, it showed that 60% of Maldivians wanted change.
According to public opinion, the first round of the elections has shown to the people that, the Man for All Islands who used to get ‘Commended reports' since the beginning could only barely get a ‘Pass', and that also (reportedly) after cheating before and during the exam!
Maldivians feel that it is imperative upon every citizen to stand up and do whatever he/she can to materialize this very important milestone in the journey of change.
However, buying out voters is an issue in the election because it has been discovered that the government had offered cash to several voters tempting them to vote. Because of the wide income gap between the rich and poor, well-heeled politicians can afford to pay attractive prices to the impoverished population for their votes.
Rumours abound that during the October 10 election, prices ranging from 500 rufiyaa to 2000 rufiyaa changed hands. For some groups, according to more rumours, payment was made in kind: heroin.
Vote buying does not come alone. Like every carrot on offer it also comes with its own stick: threats of serious consequences such as job losses and property confiscation.
The auditor general of the Maldives has pointed out in his latest report that Gayoom made several appointments to the posts of atoll chief, deputy atoll chief and assistant atoll chief in the run-up to the elections. According to the auditor general, the appointments were made to promote the presidential campaign.
It has been pointed by some people that attempts are being made inside the Maldives Police Service to influence how members of the police can force votes.
In the run-up to the elections, there was both covert and overt campaigning or propaganda to influence officers to incline towards or go against a particular candidate. Talk of officers text messaging subordinates to influence their voting right had become common.
Past elections in Maldives have been marred by allegations of rigging and intimidation by government.
Despite attempts to intimidate people and bribe them, most people are excited and hopeful that this election will change their lives. They are thirsty for reform. Many people are exhausted from years of struggle. What began as a slow, hidden and tortuous process has evolved to become a loud, public display of – occasionally false - affection between the country’s various political actors and the members of the public. At times, it is fake, messy, dirty and downright disappointing, whereas, at other times, it is inspirational and life-changing.
The Maldives is a country in transition and such a transition from an authoritarian regime to democracy takes time and consistent socialization.
It is not only the Maldivians who are excited by this election. People of other nationalities are also observing and showing solidarity with the Maldivians who are struggling for freedom and democracy.
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