The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) of the Maldives secured a big win in the parliamentary elections on Sunday, giving President Mohamed Muizzu significant control over the legislature, six months after he rose to the country’s top office. The leader, who wanted Indian military out of the island nation, has pledged to elevate strategic ties with China.
Early leads swiftly translated to a decisive majority for the PNC in Sunday’s fragmented race, that six political parties and several independent groups fought, fielding 368 candidates for the 93 seats in Parliament or the People’s Majlis. The PNC, according to local media, was headed for a “super majority” in Parliament, with a likely win in nearly 60 out of the 93 seats, pending official results.
The poll outcome effectively reconfigures the Maldivian Parliament, earlier controlled by the Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), in President Muizzu’s favour. This, despite a significant split in Mr. Muizzu’s political camp, following former President Abdulla Yameen’s move to form a new party late last year.
Although President Muizzu faces big challenges, especially on the economic front — the International Monetary Fund has warned that the country is at high risk of debt distress — he was able to implement his presidential poll promise of sending Indian military back. Following his persistent demand, New Delhi agreed to replace its military personnel with civilians before May 10. Further, Mr. Muizzu has pledged to elevate strategic ties with China, during his state visit earlier this year.
A total of 76% of eligible voters cast their ballot in the Maldives’s parliamentary election on Sunday, chairman of the Elections Commission Fuwad Thowfeek told The Hindu from Male. “While the voter turnout in percentage terms reflets a drop from 81 % in 2019, the number of voters has increased by about 1,000,” he said.
