Maldives' Pro-China Stance Strengthened as President's Party Claims Victory in Parliamentary Elections

In a resounding triumph, the People's National Congress (PNC), led by President Mohamed Muizzu, clinched a decisive victory in the Maldives' parliamentary elections, securing over two-thirds of the seats in the Majlis, the nation's legislative body.

With 66 out of 86 declared seats falling into the PNC's grasp, President Muizzu now finds himself equipped with substantial political capital to advance his agenda, potentially solidifying the Maldives' tilt towards China.

This outcome marks a significant shift in the political landscape, with the PNC's dominance in the Majlis offering President Muizzu the means to navigate policies unhindered. Of particular concern to regional powerhouse India is President Muizzu's perceived anti-India stance, which has manifested in his administration's overtures towards Beijing.

Under President Muizzu's leadership, the Maldives has increasingly courted Chinese investment, a move that has raised eyebrows in New Delhi. Previous attempts by Muizzu to enact policies were stymied by a minority position in the Majlis, largely controlled by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which favored closer ties with India.

The MDP, once a dominant force in the Majlis with 41 members, now faces a humbling defeat, winning only a fraction of the seats in this election.

President Muizzu's pro-China stance has been evident since his ascension to power, with diplomatic overtures towards Beijing and calls for the withdrawal of Indian troops stationed in the Maldives. Despite recent conciliatory gestures towards India, such as acknowledging Indian financial aid, Muizzu's overarching agenda seems to lean towards Beijing's sphere of influence.

For China, this victory underscores their expanding footprint in the strategically vital Maldives, bolstering their presence in the Indian Ocean region amidst heightened geopolitical competition. As Beijing seeks to consolidate its position in key maritime territories, the Maldives emerges as a pivotal player in their regional ambitions.

While India has thus far maintained a measured response to the shifting dynamics, emphasizing the importance of historical and geographical ties between neighbors, the resounding electoral success of President Muizzu's party signals a potential recalibration of regional power dynamics with far-reaching implications.