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October 2, 2023 Mohamed Muizzu, a pro-China candidate, has won the Maldives presidential election, beating incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in a second-round runoff. The victory is a major setback for India, which has traditionally been the Maldives’ closest ally.
Muizzu is the leader of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), which was in power from 2013 to 2018. During that time, the PPM government signed a number of deals with China, including a controversial $1 billion agreement to develop a new airport on Hulhumalé island.
Solih, who is backed by India, was elected in 2018 on a promise to reduce the Maldives’ reliance on China. However, he has been criticized for failing to deliver on that promise.
In the run-up to the presidential election, Muizzu campaigned on a platform of economic development and closer ties with China. He promised to create jobs, boost the tourism industry, and improve infrastructure.
Solih, on the other hand, campaigned on a platform of democracy and human rights. He warned that a Muizzu victory would lead to the Maldives becoming a puppet state of China.
In the end, Muizzu won the election with 54% of the vote, to Solih’s 46%. The victory is a major coup for China, which is seeking to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean.
Analysis
The victory of Muizzu in the Maldives presidential election is a significant geopolitical development. The Maldives is a small but strategically important country located in the Indian Ocean. It is a popular tourist destination and is also home to a number of important military installations.
The Maldives has traditionally been close to India, but in recent years, China has been increasing its influence in the country. China has invested heavily in the Maldives’ economy and has also provided military assistance.
The victory of Muizzu is likely to lead to a closer relationship between the Maldives and China. This is likely to concern India, which is worried about China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean.
It is important to note that Muizzu has pledged to maintain good relations with India. However, it remains to be seen how he will balance his ties with India and China.
The Maldives presidential election is a reminder of the growing competition between India and China in the Indian Ocean region. It is also a reminder of the importance of the Maldives to both countries.
