In a resounding victory, the party of Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu secured control of parliament in Sunday’s election, according to election results. Voters supported Muizzu’s alignment with China over India, the traditional regional influencer and benefactor.
Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC) clinched 66 out of the first 86 declared seats, as per the Elections Commission of Maldives, ensuring a super-majority in the 93-member parliament. This win is seen as pivotal for Muizzu’s agenda of bolstering economic ties with China.
Previously, Muizzu faced challenges due to the lack of a majority in parliament despite his presidential victory in September. His party’s landslide win marks a significant turnaround, with the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) facing a substantial defeat with only a dozen seats projected.
Muizzu, 45, emphasized the importance of voter turnout and was among the early voters in the capital, Male. He has pledged ambitious strategies to combat rising sea levels, including land reclamation and elevated island construction, despite concerns from environmentalists.
Muizzu’s administration has recently awarded infrastructure contracts to Chinese state-owned companies, signaling a shift away from India’s influence. Additionally, plans are underway to remove Indian troops stationed in the Maldives, previously deployed for maritime border patrols.
The outgoing parliament, led by the pro-India MDP, has hindered Muizzu’s diplomatic realignment efforts, blocking cabinet nominees and budget proposals. With Yameen’s recent release from house arrest, Muizzu’s political standing seems reinforced, as the former president’s influence is expected to play a role in Maldivian politics once again.
