Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s political party secured a “super majority” in parliamentary elections, seen as a strong endorsement of his pro-Beijing foreign policy, preliminary results indicated on Monday.
Muizzu-led People’s National Congress (PNC) won 70 out of 93 seats in the People’s Majlis in Sunday’s polls, with coalition partners Maldives National Party (MNP) and Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) securing one and two seats, respectively. This victory grants them the power to amend the Constitution.
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), led by former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, known for his pro-India stance, held 65 seats in the previous parliament but only secured 15 seats this time, as per Mihaaru, a news website.
Muizzu, 45, who has displayed pro-China leanings, expressed his desire to reduce India’s influence in the country.
Local media described PNC’s landslide win as a “super majority,” contrasting the MDP’s strong performance in the 2019 elections.
In this election, the PNC dominated in Male, Addu, Fuvahmulah, and Kulhudhuffushi, while the Democrats and Adhaalath Party failed to secure any seats.
Official results are expected later this week, with 368 candidates in the fray, including 130 independents and representatives from various political parties.
Despite a voter turnout of about 75%, considered a record low, provisional results indicated that only three women candidates secured seats out of the 93 constituencies of the 20th People’s Majlis.
Fathimath Saudha from the ruling PNC won the Faafu Nilandhoo constituency, Asma Rasheed from the PNC won the Maafannu Medhu constituency, and Anara Naeem, an independent candidate, won the Kaafu Huraa constituency.
Fayyaz Ismail, opposition MDP Chairperson, congratulated PNC for its success, while MDP President Abdulla Shahid pledged their MPs’ commitment to their responsibilities.
In a post on X, Ismail wrote, “Whilst today’s result is disappointing this is a moment to reaffirm our commitment and work even closer with our communities.” “
MDP’s MPs will be ready to work with the government for the betterment of our democratic values and to hold it accountable as a responsible opposition,” the former economic minister said.
The election is crucial for Muizzu, who has faced opposition demands for a probe and impeachment following a leaked report alleging corruption from 2018, which he dismissed.
Since assuming power in November last year, Muizzu’s tenure has seen strained ties with India, while strengthening relations with China through defense cooperation agreements and infrastructure development projects. China’s ‘Belt and Road’ initiative has expanded its influence in the Maldives, while India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ has aimed at strengthening ties with its maritime neighbour.
For the parliamentary election, a total of 602 ballot boxes were installed in the Maldives, along with polling stations set up in 34 resorts, prisons, and other industrial islands.
Ballot boxes were placed for voting in three other countries: Thiruvananthapuram in India, Colombo in Sri Lanka, and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
(With inputs from PTI)