Maldives President Muizzus Pro-China Party Wins Parliamentary Elections
Posted by admin on 2024-04-24 |
The People’s National Congress (PNC), led by
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, has secured a “super majority” in the
parliamentary elections.
The PNC, which contested 90 out of the 93
seats in Maldivian parliament Majlis, has won 66 out of the 86 seats for which
results had been declared. This is more than a two-third majority in the House.
Election Overview
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), led by
former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who is seen as a pro-India leader, held
65 seats in the previous parliament but won only 15 seats this time.
This Result will enable President Muizzu, who
has been viewed as anti-India, to advance his policies through the parliament
with this strong majority. The election results are causing concern for India,
which has observed the Maldives' growing alignment with China since Muizzu took
office last year.
The local media has termed PNC's overwhelming
victory as a "super majority".
A total of 368 candidates participated in the
elections, with 130 running independently, 10 from the Jumhoory Party (JP), 39
from The Democrats, 4 from Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), 4 from
Adhaalath Party (AP), and 2 from the Maldives National Party (MNP).
Strained Relations with India
The election took place against a backdrop of
strained relations between the Maldives and India since Muizzu assumed office
last November. Muizzu has consistently taken an anti-India stance, and he even
advocated for the departure of around 80 Indian soldiers stationed in the
Maldives for humanitarian efforts.
Muizzu's Visit to China
Muizzu, 45, known for his pro-China leanings,
has said that he wants to reduce India’s influence in his country.
In January, Muizzu visited China and met with
top Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping. China and the Maldives
also signed a defence cooperation agreement and several other infrastructure
development projects.
India’s Measured Response
India has largely maintained a measured
response to the deteriorating relations. Asked about New Delhi-Male relations
after Muizzu's election, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had said
neighbours need each other. “History and geography are very powerful forces.
There is no escape from that,” he had said.
