Maldives holds parliamentary election amid India-China rivalry

The Maldives is set to vote in a parliamentary election on Sunday, a significant event that could serve as a litmus test for President Mohamed Muizzu's stance towards China, potentially shifting away from the country's traditional ally, India.

Renowned for its luxurious tourism offerings, including pristine beaches and exclusive resorts, the Maldives has emerged not only as a South Asian holiday paradise but also as a key player in the geopolitical arena, according to media reports.
Strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives serves as a crucial juncture for global east-west shipping routes, spanning a chain of 1,192 small coral islands sprawling approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles) along the equator.
President Mohamed Muizzu, 45, ascended to power after winning last September's presidential election, seen by many as a proxy for the pro-China former president, Abdulla Yameen. Yameen, recently freed following the nullification of his 11-year corruption conviction by the court, has maintained close ties with China.
In the run-up to the parliamentary elections, Muizzu's administration has inked significant infrastructure deals with Chinese state-owned firms, signaling a potential shift in diplomatic allegiance away from India. Additionally, plans are underway to repatriate 89 Indian troops stationed in the Maldives, a move that has stirred tensions with New Delhi.
The current parliament, largely dominated by the pro-India Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) led by Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, has thwarted Muizzu's attempts to realign the country's foreign policy.
A senior aide of Muizzu, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the geopolitical undercurrents influencing the election campaign. "Geopolitics is very much in the background as parties campaign for votes in Sunday's election," the aide stated. "He came to power on a promise to send back Indian troops, and he is working on it. The parliament has not been cooperating with him since he came to power."
Since assuming office, Muizzu has faced opposition from lawmakers, with three of his cabinet nominees rejected and several spending proposals blocked.
The political landscape is further complicated by factional divides within all major parties, including Muizzu's People's National Congress (PNC), making it challenging for any single party to secure a decisive majority.
However, Muizzu's prospects received a boost this week with the release of his mentor, Yameen, from house arrest. Yameen, a proponent of closer ties with Beijing, was unable to contest last year's presidential election due to his imprisonment. Nevertheless, he has pledged to continue advocating for an anti-India stance, which resonated with his ally Muizzu's victory.
Approximately 285,000 Maldivian voters are eligible to participate in Sunday's election, with results expected by the following day.