Pro-China President Muizzu's party wins Maldives elections
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's party has emerged victorious in the parliamentary elections, securing a significant majority in a landslide victory.
The People's National Congress (PNC), led by Muizzu, garnered more than two-thirds of the seats in the 93-member parliament, as per preliminary results announced by the Elections Commission of Maldives.
The PNC's triumph marks a notable shift in the country's political landscape, with voters signaling support for Muizzu's pro-China stance and a departure from the country's historical ties with India, a regional powerhouse and traditional ally.
With 66 out of 86 declared seats already secured, the PNC is set to command a super-majority in the new parliament, a stark contrast to its limited representation in the outgoing assembly. The official confirmation of results is anticipated within a week, paving the way for the new legislative body to assume office in early May.
The electoral setback for the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which previously held a super-majority, is striking, as it is projected to secure only a fraction of the seats it previously held.
President Muizzu, who cast his vote early in the day, emphasized the importance of voter turnout and civic participation. His ambitious agenda, including plans for extensive land reclamation and island elevation to combat rising sea levels, resonated with voters despite concerns raised by environmentalists regarding potential ecological ramifications.
The Maldives, a nation comprised of numerous small coral islands, faces existential threats from climate change-induced sea level rise, making Muizzu's promises to mitigate these challenges a central tenet of his political platform.
The outcome of the elections underscores the electorate's endorsement of Muizzu's policies and signals a significant realignment in the Maldives' geopolitical orientation, with implications for regional dynamics and international partnerships.
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