Muizzu's Party Wins Big, Signaling Shift Towards China
The People's National Congress (PNC), led by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, secured a landslide victory in the recent parliamentary elections, securing over two-thirds of the seats in the 93-member parliament. This decisive win marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the Maldives, potentially paving the way for closer economic cooperation with China and a distancing from India.
Muizzu's victory comes amidst strained relations between the Maldives and India, which deteriorated after he assumed power in November 2022. During his presidential campaign, Muizzu adopted a strong anti-India stance, and his recent actions, such as awarding infrastructure contracts to Chinese companies and seeking to send back Indian troops stationed in the Maldives, have further fueled tensions.
The election results are seen as a crucial endorsement of Muizzu's plans for closer ties with China, including ambitious land reclamation projects and the construction of thousands of apartments. These plans have raised concerns among environmentalists who warn of potential risks associated with land reclamation in a nation highly vulnerable to sea level rise.
The outcome of the election also marks a setback for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which previously held a super-majority in parliament. The MDP, known for its pro-India stance, suffered a significant loss, securing only a dozen seats in the new parliament.
With the PNC firmly in control, Muizzu is expected to face less resistance in implementing his policies, including those related to China and India. However, the long-term implications of this shift in Maldivian diplomacy remain to be seen, particularly in the context of the broader geopolitical landscape in the Indian Ocean region.