The win by Maldives President Mohammad Muizzu’s party, the PNC, in the parliamentary elections, with a “super-majority” — over 70 of 93 Members of Parliament or People’s Majlis, including allies and independents — eases Mr. Muizzu’s path to passing laws and even making constitutional amendments.
The opposition in the Majlis, led by the former ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), that was perceived as “pro-India” won just 12 seats
The results also indicate widespread approval by Maldivians of decisions he has made since he was elected in November 2023 including his international visits to China, Turkey and the UAE, and receiving U.S. senior officials, while keeping a relative distance from India
Mr. Muizzu’s statement that rather than “pro-India” or “pro-China”, he intends to build a “pro-Maldives” policy must be tested against his actions while giving him time to prove that none of those actions is to the detriment of India’s security or regional peace
Given Maldives’s economic troubles and development needs, its challenges with climate change, and its geographical allure for the U.S. and China, it is only a matter of time that the relative comfort of stronger ties with India and its policy of sustainable financing and support, becomes apparent to Male
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