Image copyright AFP Image caption Just under 240,000 Maldivians are eligible to vote

Voters in the Maldives have been going to the polls to elect a president after two previous attempts failed.

Candidates came to a last-minute agreement earlier this week to agree and sign the voter lists required for the election to take place.

But turnout was lower than expected, amid disappointment about political rows throughout the election process.

In 2012, ex-President Mohamed Nasheed was forced from office, sparking a political crisis.

He is seeking to regain power at these elections.

Tensions are high after one vote was annulled and a re-run halted by police.

Polls closed at 10:30 GMT.

Supporters of Mr Nasheed's opposition Maldivian Democratic Party allege the government and judiciary are attempting to influence the electoral process, fearing he will return to power.

Court decision

Mr Nasheed won the Indian Ocean archipelago's first-ever democratic vote in 2008, ousting Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who ran the country autocratically for three decades.

MALDIVES' POLITICAL TURMOIL October 2008: Mohamed Nasheed wins first-ever democratic polls, ousting long-time ruler Maumoon Abdul Gayoom February 2012: President Mohamed Nasheed forced from office in disputed circumstances, sparking protests; his deputy, Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, takes over 7 September 2013: Mr Nasheed wins 45% in first round of elections; his two nearest rivals get 25% and 24% respectively 7 October 2013: Supreme Court annuls 7 September results after claims of irregularities by one candidate 19 October 2013: Planned re-run of vote is stopped by police 6 November 2013: Candidates agree to sign voter lists and take part in elections scheduled for 11 November

His main rival at the ballot box is Mr Gayoom's half-brother, Abdullah Yameen. The other major contender is Gasim Ibrahim, a wealthy resort owner and a former minister under Mr Gayoom.

If no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote then a second vote is scheduled to take place on Sunday.

But the elections commissioner said Mr Nasheed's two rivals had so far not approved the voter register for any run-off, which would be necessary for the vote to go ahead.

In a vote on 7 September, Mr Nasheed led with 45% of the vote, while Mr Yameen and Mr Gasim trailed with 25% and 24% respectively.

President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik got 5% and later bowed out.

That vote was annulled by the Supreme Court after Mr Gasim alleged irregularities, despite observer groups deeming the vote free and fair. The court also introduced new guidelines for elections.

Police halted the planned re-run on 19 October saying the guidelines had not been met, after both Mr Gasim and Mr Yameen failed to approve the registry of voters.

According to the Maldives constitution, a new president has to be in place by 11 November when the current presidential term ends.

Mr Nasheed was forced from office in February 2012 in what he has described as a coup. Mr Waheed, who succeeded him, claims Mr Nasheed resigned of his own accord in the face of opposition demonstrations.