Muizzu's Party Wins Big in Maldives, Signaling Shift Towards China
President Mohamed Muizzu's People's National Congress (PNC) secured a landslide victory in the Maldivian parliamentary elections, gaining over two-thirds of the seats. This outcome reflects voter support for Muizzu's tilt towards China and away from India, a trend that has been brewing since his rise to power in November 2022.
The PNC's victory empowers Muizzu to pursue closer economic cooperation with China, including controversial land reclamation projects. This stands in contrast to the previous parliament, dominated by the pro-India Maldivian Democratic Party, which had obstructed Muizzu's efforts.
Muizzu's win marks a significant shift in the Maldives' political landscape, potentially distancing the island nation from India and drawing it closer to China. This development will have far-reaching implications for the Maldives and its role in the Indian Ocean's geopolitical landscape.