The latest parliamentary election was held in April 2019. Mr Solih's MDP, which leads the governing coalition, secured a sweeping majority in the 87-seat People's Majlis, with 65 seats. The main opposition PPM has been left beleaguered, with a sharp decline from 33 seats in the previous legislature to just five. The JP also experienced a fall in support, winning just five seats, compared with 15 in the previous election.

The most recent presidential election was held in September 2018, when Mr Solih defeated Mr Yameen. Presidential elections follow a two-round system. However, since Mr Solih and Mr Yameen were the only candidates in the 2018 election, the contest was decided by a simple one-round majority vote. The next presidential election is due in September 2023.

The absence of Mr Nasheed (who was in exile) during the 2018 poll resulted in the elevation of Mr Solih as the presidential candidate for an MDP-led coalition against the then-ruling PPM. We expect Mr Solih to seek re-election for a second term in 2023. However, his candidacy is likely to be challenged by Mr Nasheed, who would also be keen to return to power for a second time.