In a parliamentary election, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s party emerged victorious, solidifying his hold on power. According to preliminary results, the People’s National Congress (PNC) won 66 seats in the 93-member house.
Analysts see Muizzu’s policy of establishing close connections with China being strongly supported by the victory. Widely regarded as pro-China, Muizzu seeks to lessen India’s enduring influence in his nation.
The PNC’s victory, which will be validated in a few days, has been referred to as a “super majority” by local media. The two-thirds majority in parliament needed to change the constitution has been reached. Only fifteen seats have been won by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the largest opposition party. It held the majority of seats in parliament before the voting on Sunday.
“From a political institutional view, Muizzu now effectively controls everything. He could theoretically control judiciary too as he has enough numbers in parliament,” Zahir says.
Muizzu’s campaign revolved around reversing the previous government’s “India first” policy, which was implemented when it came to office in late 2018. He has not yet travelled to Delhi for business. In an effort to lessen Delhi’s power, he has pledged to return all Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives.
In order to maintain and fly two helicopters and an airplane for use in rescue and reconnaissance missions, about 85 Indian military personnel were stationed in the Maldives. Delhi gifted the aircraft a few years back.
Indian military soldiers have already departed the Maldives in two batches, and their place has been taken by civilian technical professionals from India. By May 10th, the last soldiers are anticipated to depart the Maldives.
