Maldives, a nation made up of 1200 coral islands, in the Indian Ocean has elected their eighth president. Mr.Mohamed Muizzu has won the Maldives Presidential election,securing more than 54% majority. He was the opposition leader representing the opposition coalition of People’s National Congress and Progressive Party of Maldives (PNC-PPM).
Who is Mr.Muizzu?
Mohamed Muizzu is a trained Civil engineer having obtained his degrees from the United Kingdom and thereafter a PhD from the University of Leeds. He forayed into politics after assuming the role of Minister of Housing and Environment in 2012. He has administered a large number of infrastructural projects in Maldives.In 2021 ,he emerged victorious in the mayoral election of the capital city Malé. Presently,he is the mayor of the city.
Image credit:Reuters
Situation of the polls in Maldives
There were a total eight candidates for this year’s election- the highest after the dictatorship of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Total number of eligible voters was 282,804 among which women accounted for a larger proportion than men.
This is the second round of the elections,as during the first round more than 50% of the majority couldn’t be obtained . The first round of elections were held on September 9 2023 , however they didn’t hold ground. Running mate of Mr.Muizzu was Mohamed Latheef and they won 46.06% of the votes in the first round of elections, advancing to the second round on September 30 2023.
The total turnout of the election is 79%, relatively less than the 2018 election of whose turnout was ,89%.
After the first round President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had the task to secure the votes which were in his favour in a larger amount.
Other candidates of the election include business tycoon Qasim Ibrahim,from the Jumhooree Party who won a disappointing 2.47% votes,the least he has ever won.
Independent candidate and former Home minister Umar Naseer came 4th with 3% votes ,and his running mate ,Ahmed Seem announced his support for Solih.However both the running candidates didn’t endorse the ruling party or the opposition alliance.
Implications on India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November,2018 .Image Credit: PIB
The elections have been seen to largely influence India’s position in the Island nation. It is strategically important as India has large infrastructure development projects in Maldives.
The opposition led a fierce campaign against President Solih for his pro-India stance and questioned the deployment of Indian forces on the Island.
The elections are crucial to India after the Pro-Beijing stance of former President Yameen despite his first India policy.
According to observers ,Muizzu wouldn’t sever India’s relations with the country abruptly. However he has a pro – China alignment with the Belt Road Initiative in place.
India aims to expand its presence in the Island nation ,however it’s uncertain after President Solih’s defeat. Mr.Muizzu has his country facing multiple challenges with mounting debt, dwindling foreign reserves and climate crisis. He has promised housing and better policy to battle congestion in the country,and provide everyone with basic amenities.
