Maldives elects PNC in landslide, shifts focus to China

Maldives voters have handed President Mohamed Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC)a resounding victory in parliamentary elections, with preliminary results showing the party winning 65 of the 93 seats up for grabs. This outcome, as reported by media on Monday, is expected to steer the Indian Ocean archipelago closer to China and away from its traditional partner India.

The Maldives Elections Commission and media projections revealed that the main opposition Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) saw a significant decrease, securing only 12 seats compared to its previous 65 seats.

The strategic importance of the Maldives has drawn attention from both Beijing and New Delhi, with each vying for influence in the Indo-Pacific region. President Muizzu, elected last year, has indicated a shift away from the country’s longstanding “India First” policy, causing strains in its relationship with New Delhi.

Under Muizzu’s leadership, the government has taken steps such as asking dozens of Indian military personnel to leave the Maldives. Critics argue that this move could expedite the country’s alignment towards China, given Beijing’s increasing presence and investments in the region.

It’s worth noting that Muizzu’s position as president remains unaffected by the parliamentary election results. A total of 368 candidates contested for five-year terms in Sunday’s vote, reflecting a significant political landscape change in the Maldives.

The landslide victory for Muizzu’s party signals a clear mandate from the Maldivian electorate, indicating a potential shift in foreign policy priorities and alliances in the coming years. As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve in the Indo-Pacific, the outcome of the elections will likely have ramifications on regional dynamics and diplomatic relations.