Opposition candidate, Mohamed Muizzu, who is widely seen as pro-China, has emerged as the winner of the runoff election and is set to become the next president of the Maldives. This victory marks a significant loss for Indian influence in the archipelagic nation. Muizzu received 54 percent of the votes, while the incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih received 46 percent.
In his concession statement on X, Solih congratulated president-elect Muizzu. Meanwhile, Muizzu emphasized the need for unity and collaboration among the people of the Maldives in order to build a prosperous future for the country.
The election highlighted the divided opinions between pro-India and pro-China factions in the Maldives. The island nation, with its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, holds importance for both trade and security interests of India and China. The United States has also been seeking to improve relations with the Maldives, as evidenced by the recent appointment of its first resident ambassador to the country.
The State Department and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Muizzu on his election victory and expressed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. The incumbent, Solih, had pursued closer ties with India during his tenure.
The previous president, Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, had steered the country towards closer relations with Beijing and had faced accusations of human rights abuses. Yameen was sent to prison on bribery and money laundering charges after losing office in 2018.
Muizzu, who previously served as the construction minister and is currently the mayor of the capital, campaigned on an “India Out” platform, criticizing the military presence in the Maldives and pledging to expel all Indian military personnel. He also capitalized on the country’s economic challenges and adopted nationalist rhetoric.
Muizzu won the first round of the presidential vote last month, leading to a runoff election after no candidate received an absolute majority. As a result of his victory, Yameen, who is an ally of Muizzu’s, was transferred from prison to house arrest.
Indian commentators have expressed concern over the election outcome, viewing it as a setback for India’s influence. Anti-Indian sentiment in the Maldives was previously observed in an attack on a sponsored yoga event in Malé. The attackers were linked to Muizzu’s Progressive Party of Maldives.
India has historically held strong influence in the Maldives, as demonstrated by its intervention in 1988 to prevent a coup attempt. However, the relationship has faced challenges, including a suggestion by an Indian member of Parliament to “invade” the Maldives if the elections were rigged.
Despite concerns, allies of Muizzu have assured that he does not intend to disrupt relations with India. It is expected that his first international visit as president-elect will be to India, following the tradition of previous Maldivian presidents.
Ahmed Mohamed, who previously served as Maldives ambassador to India, expressed confidence in maintaining cordial relations with India without a military presence in the country.