In a setback to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, the pro-India opposition party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), secured a landslide victory in the capital Male’s Mayoral election. Adam Azim, the MDP candidate, has been elected as the new mayor of Male, a post formerly held by President Muizzu. The victory has been hailed as a triumph by the MDP, headed by pro-India former president Mohammad Solih, who was defeated by Muizzu, a pro-China leader, in the presidential elections.
With 41 boxes counted, Azim holds a commanding lead with 5,303 votes, leaving his rival Aishath Azima Shakoor of Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC) with just 3,301 votes, according to the Maldives’ Sun Online news portal.
The Mayoral election, although marked by a low turnout, is expected to boost the political fortunes of the MDP, as they still maintain a majority in the Parliament. This victory signifies a significant shift in the political landscape of the Maldives, with the pro-India opposition party gaining ground against President Muizzu’s government.
The Mayoral polls took place amidst a diplomatic row with India, triggered by derogatory comments posted on social media by three deputy ministers of the Muizzu government against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The controversial remarks led to calls for a boycott by Indian tourists, who form the largest group of visitors to the Maldives, followed by Russian tourists. Chinese tourists rank third in terms of visitor numbers.
President Muizzu, who recently returned from a state visit to China, suspended the three ministers responsible for the offensive social media posts. The incident caused concerns in India and highlighted the growing influence of China in the Maldives. During his visit to China, Muizzu sought to strengthen ties between the two countries, positioning the Maldives closer to Beijing.
The outcome of the Mayoral election underscores the apparent shift towards India and the MDP’s pro-India stance. It remains to be seen how this political development will impact the relationship between the Maldives and China, as well as the larger geopolitical dynamics in the region.
The victory of Adam Azim as the new mayor of Male serves as a reminder of the changing political landscape in the Maldives. With the MDP’s resurgence, they are likely to push for policies that align with India’s interests, potentially shaping the country’s diplomatic relations and future direction.
The election results highlight the significance of bilateral relations between the Maldives and India. As the Maldives navigates its political landscape, its choices will have implications not only for its own development but also for regional dynamics. The victory of the pro-India MDP in the Mayoral election could signal a shift towards closer ties with India, altering the balance of power in the region.
As the MDP celebrates its victory and prepares to assume control of the Male City Council, the Maldives braces for a new chapter in its governance. The outcome of the Mayoral election represents a turning point in the country’s political trajectory, and its consequences reverberate beyond its borders. The international community will be watching closely as the Maldives recalibrates its alliances and navigates its way forward.
