MALÉ: The People’s National Congress (PNC) led by Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has secured control of parliament in Sunday’s election, according to preliminary results announced by the Elections Commission of Maldives. The election results showed voters backing his tilt towards China and away from India.
The PNC won 66 out of the first 86 seats declared, indicating a clear mandate for Muizzu’s agenda, including closer economic cooperation with China and ambitious land reclamation projects. With these results, the PNC is poised to attain a super-majority in the 93-member parliament.
The election outcome is seen as a significant test for Muizzu’s policies, particularly his tilt towards China and away from India. Muizzu’s victory comes after he faced challenges due to the lack of a parliamentary majority following his presidential election win in September.
In contrast, the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which previously held a super-majority, suffered a substantial setback, securing only a dozen seats. Muizzu, who cast his ballot earlier in the day, urged high voter turnout, emphasizing the importance of citizens exercising their right to vote.
The Maldives, vulnerable to sea-level rise, has been grappling with environmental challenges exacerbated by global warming. Muizzu has proposed ambitious land reclamation projects as part of his strategy to combat these challenges.
In recent years, the Maldives has become a focal point in the geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean. Muizzu’s administration has been actively pursuing closer ties with China, evident from the awarding of infrastructure contracts to Chinese state-owned companies.
Additionally, Muizzu’s government has initiated the withdrawal of Indian troops stationed in the Maldives, signaling a shift in diplomatic alignment away from India.
Despite challenges from the outgoing parliament, Muizzu remains determined to advance his agenda, seeking to realign Maldivian diplomacy. The voter turnout in Sunday’s election was reported to be high, reaching 73 percent of the electorate, according to Election Commission chief Fuad Thaufeeq.
