Pro-China Party Triumphs in Maldives Elections Under Muizzu’s Leadership
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s party, the People’s National Congress (PNC), has secured a resounding victory in the parliamentary elections, solidifying Muizzu’s hold on power. Preliminary results indicate that the PNC has won 66 out of 93 seats in parliament, granting them a significant majority.
This landslide victory is widely perceived as an endorsement of Muizzu’s policies aimed at forging closer ties with China as he seeks to diminish India’s longstanding influence in the Maldives. The PNC’s triumph, described by local media as a “super majority,” grants them the necessary two-thirds majority in parliament to amend the constitution.
In contrast, the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has secured only 15 seats, having previously held the majority in parliament. This shift marks a remarkable achievement for Muizzu, consolidating his control over political institutions and potentially enabling him to influence the judiciary.
Muizzu, who assumed office late last year, campaigned on a platform of moving away from the Maldives’ previous “India first” policy. He aims to send Indian troops stationed in the Maldives back home, a decision that has strained relations with Delhi. This rift has allowed Beijing to strengthen its ties with Male, as evidenced by Muizzu’s state visit to China in January and subsequent agreements for investments and military assistance.
While Muizzu’s victory opens up possibilities for a more balanced foreign policy, analysts caution that Delhi’s response will shape future relations. If India fails to engage constructively, the Maldives may increasingly rely on Beijing for support.
The formal ratification of the election results is anticipated to occur within a week, after which Muizzu’s party will assume control of parliament. Despite the electoral setback, the MDP has expressed willingness to collaborate with the government while fulfilling its role as a responsible opposition.
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