The strongman president of the Maldives on Monday conceded defeat in elections, easing fears of a fresh political crisis in the archipelago. "The Maldivian people have decided what they want.

I have accepted the results from yesterday," Abdulla Yameen said in a televised address a day after the joint opposition candidate unexpectedly triumphed. "Earlier today, I met with Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who the Maldivian electorate has chosen to be their next president. I have congratulated him," Yameen said.