Maldives presidential election deemed another chance at unifying the polarized new democracy

Published January 13, 2015

The presidential election in the Maldives on Saturday is the first national vote since a contentious power transfer last year. It's considered to be another chance to establish a credible government and unify a new, sharply divided democracy.

The Arabian Sea archipelago was ruled by a dictator until just five years ago, and its transition to democracy has been difficult.

The country, known for its luxurious resorts, made headlines last year when President Mohamed Nasheed resigned amid public protests and vanishing support from the military and police. Nasheed says he was forced to resign at gunpoint, though a domestic commission of inquiry dismissed his claim.

Nasheed is hoping to reclaim his job in Saturday's election. His opponents include the current president and a brother of the former dictator.

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