Maldives 20th parliamentary election today amidst political tensions
The picturesque island nation of the Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean, will hold its 20th parliamentary election on Sunday. The results are expected to be announced by April 28. This electoral process will determine the representatives for the 93 seats in the People's Majlis, which is the national parliament. Over 284,663 voters are eligible to vote at 602 polling stations, including three overseas. According to the Maldives Elections Commission, 368 candidates have been fielded for the 93 constituencies.
Opposition party holds majority ahead of elections
The opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), currently holds a majority with 41 seats in the People's Majlis. The ruling party, the People's National Congress (PNC), led by President Mohamed Muizzu, has fielded the most candidates, with 90. Additionally, there are 130 independent candidates. Other parties have also fielded their candidates: the Democrats have nine, the Adhaalath Party has four, Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) has four, Jumhooree Party (JP) has 10 and Maldives National Party (MNP) has two.
Elections seen as test for President Muizzu's policies
The elections are viewed as a significant test for President Muizzu's policies regarding China and India. Muizzu, who came to power last November on his 'India-out' campaign platform, has taken measures that include strengthening military ties with China. This month, he awarded major infrastructure contracts to Chinese state-owned companies. His administration is also preparing to send home a garrison of 89 Indian troops that operate reconnaissance aircraft gifted by India to patrol the vast maritime borders of the archipelago.
Current parliament dominated by pro-India MDP
If Muizzu's party fails to secure a majority in these elections, opposition parties could potentially challenge his policies favoring China over India. This is due to the fact that the current parliament is dominated by the pro-India MDP, which has sought to thwart his efforts to realign the archipelago's diplomacy. The parliamentary elections, which were originally set for March 17, were postponed following an MDP-led vote in the legislature.
