The opposition leader in the Maldives has won the country’s general election, according to provisional results from the Maldives Election Commission.
Mr Solih claimed victory over President Abdulla Yameen in Male, the capital of the tropical island chain in the Indian Ocean.
President Yameen conceded the loss, saying: “I know I have to step down now.”
Mr Solih’s win was unexpected, with opposition members fearing President Yameen would rig the vote in his favor.
Since his election in 2013, President Yameen has cracked down on political dissent, jailing rivals and judges.
The commission’s results show Mr Solih with 134,616 votes and incumbent President Gayoom with 96,132 votes, with a 89.2 per cent voter turnout.
The commission said the final results will be released within the 7-day window parties have to challenge the results in court.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here