The new president of the Maldives Abdullah Yameen has been sworn into office. The president topped the run-off ballot with 51.4 percent of the votes.

“The Maldivean nation has decided and therefore the international community I’m sure should rest assured that we know how to decide our fate in the future,” he said.

The election was held after three previous attempts were annulled or delayed. In the first round, the favourite and former President Mohamed Nasheed failed to achieve more than 50 percent of the vote.

It is hoped by many the result will signal the end of two years of political turmoil on the Indian Ocean archipelago.

Abdullah Yameen is the half-brother of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom regarded by rights groups and opponents as a dictator who ruled for 30 years.

It’s believed the outcome of the election will reinforce the role of Islam in the Muslim island state.