Pro-China Maldives president’s party sweeps parliamentary vote

Mohamed Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC) clinched an overwhelming victory in the Maldivian parliamentary elections, securing more than two-thirds of the 93-member parliament, as per provisional results from the Elections Commission of Maldives. With 66 out of 86 declared seats already in their grasp, the PNC achieved a resounding super-majority. Although formal confirmation of the results is pending, the new assembly is slated to assume office in early May. Notably, out of 41 candidates, only three women were elected, underscoring ongoing challenges in achieving gender parity in political representation.

The main opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), faced a staggering defeat, poised to secure merely a dozen seats after previously enjoying a super-majority. Muizzu, 45, a key figure in the political landscape, emphasized the importance of civic participation, casting his vote in the capital Male and urging fellow citizens to exercise their democratic rights. However, the election outcome signals a significant shift in the country’s political dynamics, with Muizzu’s leadership poised to shape legislative priorities in the coming term.

Despite its reputation as a premier luxury holiday destination renowned for its pristine beaches and exclusive resorts, the Maldives grapples with multifaceted challenges. As a nation acutely vulnerable to rising sea levels attributed to climate change, Mohamed Muizzu, a former construction minister, has championed ambitious land reclamation projects and island elevation initiatives. Yet, such endeavours have raised concerns among environmentalists regarding their potential to exacerbate flooding risks. Moreover, the Maldives has emerged as a strategic focal point in the geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean, with Muizzu’s presidency underscoring the country’s evolving relationships with global powers, particularly China, following the recent release of former president Abdulla Yameen.