President Muizzu’s coalition Victory in Maldives Elections
In a significant turn of events, President Mohamed Muizzu’s ruling coalition has clinched a resounding win in the recent parliamentary elections, securing a solid majority in Parliament. This victory seems to signal public support for Muizzu’s efforts to strengthen ties with China and steer the Indian Ocean nation in a new direction.
The election outcome could potentially strain relations between the Maldives and India further, already tense due to Muizzu’s initiatives to reduce reliance on India across various sectors.
According to results announced by the Maldives’ Election Commission and local media reports, Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC) party, along with its allies, the Maldives National Party (MNP) and the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), are poised to secure close to 70 seats, or a “super majority,” in the 93-member People’s Majlis.
Over 284,000 eligible voters participated in the polls, with turnout exceeding 73%. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which had pursued an ‘India First’ policy and lost the previous presidential election, secured only a handful of seats, contrasting sharply with its previous dominance.
Muizzu, framing the parliamentary election as a referendum on his government's policies, urged voters to elect a majority to facilitate the swift implementation of his agenda. His emphasis on closer security and economic cooperation with China resonated with voters, evident in the election results.
Since assuming office, Muizzu has actively pursued a shift towards China, distancing the Maldives from its traditional ties with India. This included diversifying partnerships in crucial sectors such as food security and healthcare, with contracts awarded to countries like Turkey. Additionally, initiatives like acquiring drones from Turkey for surveillance and finalizing emergency medical evacuation arrangements with Sri Lanka underscored efforts to reduce dependence on India.
The presence of over 80 Indian military personnel in the Maldives, primarily for humanitarian relief and medical evacuations, has been a point of contention. Muizzu's recent decision to send them back, coupled with accusations against his predecessor, reflects efforts to assert Maldives' sovereignty and independence.
What does this mean for India?
The victory of President Mohamed Muizzu's pro-China coalition in the Maldives' parliamentary elections may have significant implications for India. It could potentially strain the already delicate relationship between the two countries, as Muizzu has been actively working to reduce the Maldives' dependence on India and strengthen ties with China. This shift in allegiance may lead to changes in geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean region, impacting India's influence in the area.
Both India and China have been vying for influence in the Maldives, investing substantially in infrastructure projects. The evolving dynamics between these nations and the Maldives will likely shape the geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean region.
Click for more updates and the latest world news, along with Web stories updates. Also, get the latest news and top headlines from India and around the world at Speed News
