The first democratically elected president of the Maldives, who was ousted last year in what he called a

coup, will face a runoff against the brother of the country’s former dictator after falling short of a clear majority in the Indian Ocean archipelago’s presidential election.  Mohamed Nasheed, who received 45 percent of Saturday’s vote, could still see a challenge in securing a second-round majority if his three election opponents form an alliance for the September 28 runoff. ...more...click below link..
http://www.timesofisrael.com/ousted-israel-friendly-maldives-leader-faces-election-runoff/

Maldives Election Cadidates Debate - 2013

All four candidates contesting the presidential elections slated for this Saturday have highlighted the

significance of enhancing industries and boosting state revenue in order to revive Maldives' flailing economy.
During Sunday's presidential debate organised by the state run Maldives Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and Maldives National University, all candidates agreed on strengthening the tourism and fishing industry.

Incumbent President Mohamed Waheed Hassan who is seeking re-election as an independent candidate stressed that in addition to developing tourism, the capacity to process fish is vital to boosting the fishing industry.

The election candidates of 2013 – Maldives

This election seems or going to be the first and most competing election ever held in Maldives. The contenders are shown in the above picture.  Election Commission (EC) is an independent body, but some parties are having doubt about their independencies and made complaint about the EC activities. The EC committed to the media that this election would be free and fair election.

Seaplane operators to be merged: Blackstone takes majority stake in Maldivian Air Taxi and Trans Maldivian Airways

Maldives Promotion House – Blackstone Group LP (NYSE: BX), the big U.S.-based asset manager today announced that a private equity fund managed by Blackstone on behalf of its private equity investors has acquired a controlling interest in two Maldives-based seaplane operators – Maldivian Air Taxi “MAT” and Trans Maldivian Airways “TMA”. Following the transaction, Mr. Lars Erik Nielsen (Founder, MAT), Mr. Lars Petré and Mr. Hussain Afeef (majority shareholders, TMA) will retain a substantial shareholding and continue to play a significant role in the companies, including serving as directors on the board. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.