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Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 23 Sep 2018
Male: Amid fears of rigging and largescale irregularities, voting to elect a new Maldives President was held on Sunday.
According to reports, voting time was extended by three hours due to long queues.
Voting commenced at 8 am and ended at around 19.00 hours.
Partial results are expected later on Sunday, but it could take up to a week for the full results to be announced, reported BBC.
The main contest is taking place between President Abdulla Yameen and his rival Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Abdulla is seeking the second term.
As per a Maldives Independent report, there are about 262,000 eligible voters and 472 ballot boxes, including five in four overseas locations.
The country's police said no violence has been reported during voting.
"MPS is pleased to state that #MvElection2018 voting queues have officially been closed with no violence and minimal complaints from the public. Thanking Maldivians for your cooperation and your service to the nation," Maldives Police tweeted.
MPS is pleased to state that #MvElection2018 voting queues have officially been closed with no violence and minimal complaints from the public. Thanking Maldivians for your cooperation and your service to the nation.
— Maldives Police (@PoliceMv) September 23, 2018
Image: Maldives Police Twitter page