<span style="color: #222222;">In Maldives, counting of votes is in progress for the parliamentary elections held today. Results from ballot centres are expected by late night and preliminary results of constituencies will be available by morning. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Around 78 percent voters are estimated to have exercised their franchise to elect the new parliament members. Voting hours were extended by two hours till 6 PM local time to allow maximum participation.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">AIR correspondent reports that the voting percentage was low during the daytime and voting was extended by two hours to allow maximum people to exercise their franchise. Counting of votes have begun and preliminary results are expected by tomorrow morning. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The results hold significance for the government and Maldives Democratic Party ( MDP) is seeking majority to implement its agenda and policies. MDP members in the government agree that it will be challenge to implement their policies if they fail to cross the majority mark.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">A total of 386 candidates are in the fray for 87 seats including former President Mohamed Nasheed and parliamentary speaker Qasim Ibrahim. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The main contest is between Maldives Democratic party (MDP) led by former President Mohammed Nasheed and opposition coalition led by former President Abdulla Yameen. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The current election has become interesting as its results will have bearing on the stability of government under President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">President and Mr Nasheed are calling for MDP majority in parliament to ensure the government remains stable and they are able to deliver on their promises. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Mr. Solih won the Presidential election last September as coalition candidate of four parties including MDP.</span><br />''