Maldives Presidential Election: In a closely watched presidential election in the Maldives, pro-China candidate Mohammad Muizzu has emerged victorious, securing a significant 54% of the votes.
This outcome marks a change in the political landscape of the Indian Ocean archipelago, with outgoing President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih gracefully accepting defeat.
Muizzu is scheduled to take the oath of office on November 17, while Solih will continue to serve as the executive president until then.
China’s Support for Muizzu: Maldives Presidential Election
Muizzu is considered a supporter of China, and his victory raises questions about the evolving dynamics of international relations in the region.
During his tenure, President Solih had strengthened ties with India, which was seen as a counterbalance to China’s influence in the Maldives.
The election results suggest that, for strategic reasons, both China and India closely observed and had a vested interest in the Maldives’ election.
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‘India Out’ Slogan:
Muizzu’s campaign in the capital, Malé, included a controversial slogan: ‘India Out.’ This slogan, aimed at distancing the Maldives from India, stirred tensions and garnered significant attention during the election.
Solih’s Pro-India Stance:
Outgoing President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was seen as a strong advocate for strengthening ties with India during his four-year term. He had implemented a policy of ‘India First,’ prioritizing India-Maldives relations.
Historical India-Maldives Ties:
India and the Maldives have long maintained cultural and economic ties. India has been actively involved in the Maldives, focusing on regional stability and maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
Why the Maldives Matters to China:
The Maldives holds a strategic position in the Indian Ocean, making it crucial for both China and India to maintain a presence there.
China has been rapidly expanding its naval capabilities and increasing its footprint in the Maldives. India, on the other hand, has consistently worked to limit China’s influence in the region.
Energy Transit and Security:
The Maldives plays a significant role in the transit of oil from Gulf countries to East Asia. Securing this energy route is a priority for both China and India. This has further intensified the competition for influence in the Maldives.
India’s Investments and Presence:
Over the past decade, India has invested in the Maldives, providing military aid, infrastructure development, and economic assistance.
In 2021, the Maldives Defense Force revealed that 75 Indian military officers were stationed in the country to operate and maintain Indian aircraft.
Opposition’s ‘India Out’ Campaign:
Following these developments, the opposition launched the ‘India Out’ campaign, demanding the removal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives. The issue further complicated the electoral landscape.
Political Background of Muizzu:
Muhammad Muizzu, born in 1978, holds a Ph.D. in civil engineering from the University of Leeds in the UK. He entered politics in 2012 and served as a minister in previous administrations.
Muizzu has a track record of initiating significant infrastructure projects in the Maldives, including the construction of bridges and international airports.
China’s Investments in the Maldives:
China has provided substantial loans and investments to the Maldives, including the construction of infrastructure projects and participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
This has raised concerns about the Maldives’ growing debt to China, which some experts estimate to be over a billion dollars.
The Implications of Muizzu’s Victory:
Muizzu’s victory has the potential to shift the Maldives closer to China. However, analysts believe that, given the current situation, the Maldives will continue to balance its relations with both India and China.
Conclusion:
The Maldives’ presidential election has brought pro-China candidate Mohammad Muizzu to power, sparking discussions about the strategic importance of the region in the context of global politics.
While Muizzu’s ‘India Out’ campaign raised concerns, the future direction of the Maldives’ foreign policy remains a subject of interest for both India and China.
As this small island nation navigates its geopolitical position, it will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the broader Indo-Pacific region.
