Maldives President’s Party Secures “Super Majority” in Parliamentary Elections

In a significant political shift, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC) has won a “super majority” in the country’s parliamentary elections. Preliminary results indicate a strong endorsement of Muizzu’s pro-Beijing foreign policy, with both India and China closely observing the outcome.

• PNC Dominates: The PNC, led by Muizzu, secured 70 out of 93 seats in the People’s Majlis. Coalition partners Maldives National Party (MNP) and Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) won one and two seats respectively.
• MDP Loses Ground: The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), previously holding 65 seats, saw a sharp decline, winning only 15 seats this time.
• Female Representation: Out of 93 constituencies, only three women candidates secured seats, marking a low representation of women in the parliament.
• Voter Turnout: Despite about 75% of eligible voters casting ballots, it was a record-low turnout compared to 81.32% in the 2019 elections.

Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, aims to reduce India’s influence in the Maldives. This election comes at a time of deteriorating ties between the Maldives and India since Muizzu assumed power, maintaining an anti-India stand during his presidential campaign.

• China’s Influence: Muizzu’s recent visit to China resulted in a defence cooperation agreement and multiple infrastructure projects. The Maldives joined China’s “Belt and Road” initiative in 2013, reflecting China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean Region.
• India’s Concern: India’s strategic interests in the Maldives are highlighted by initiatives like ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’. However, India has had to withdraw most of its military personnel from the Maldives recently.

Opposition parties had demanded a probe into alleged corruption by Muizzu from 2018, a charge he dismissed. The election outcome, coupled with the demand for his impeachment, sets the stage for potential political tensions ahead.

Fayyaz Ismail, MDP Chairperson, congratulated the PNC while emphasizing the importance of working closely with communities. MDP President Abdulla Shahid urged party MPs to uphold their responsibilities with determination.

A total of 602 ballot boxes were set up domestically and in three other countries – India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. Ballot boxes were also placed in resorts, prisons, and industrial islands.

Official results are expected later this week.

The parliamentary elections in the Maldives reflect a significant political shift with Muizzu’s PNC securing a “super majority”. As regional power dynamics continue to evolve, the election outcome will undoubtedly have implications for the Maldives’ foreign policy and its relationships with India and China.