New Delhi: In a significant development, the People’s National Congress (PNC), the party of Maldives president Mohamed Muizzu, has achieved a decisive victory in the recent parliamentary elections, strengthening his alignment with China.
Securing a substantial majority, the PNC emerged victorious in 66 out of the 86 declared seats, giving them significant leverage in the Maldivian parliament Majlis, where they now hold over a two-thirds majority.
This outcome is likely to embolden President Muizzu, whose policies have leaned towards China, leading to concerns in India. The shift in parliamentary dynamics grants him the ability to advance his agenda more effectively.
Previously, Muizzu faced obstacles as his party was in the minority in the Majlis, controlled by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which has a pro-India stance. However, with the PNC’s landslide victory, Muizzu now has greater political capital to enact his proposals.
The defeat of the MDP, led by Muizzu’s predecessor Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, underscores a significant shift in Maldivian politics towards a more China-friendly stance.
Muizzu’s presidency has been marked by efforts to strengthen ties with China, including awarding infrastructure contracts to Chinese firms and advocating the withdrawal of Indian troops stationed in the Maldives. Despite this, Muizzu recently acknowledged India’s support and affirmed its status as a key ally.
India, while expressing concerns over the evolving situation, has maintained a cautious approach, emphasizing the enduring importance of regional cooperation.
For China, increasing influence in the Maldives holds strategic significance in the context of its broader geopolitical ambitions, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.
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