Maldives parliamentary elections: First major test for Muizzu’s anti-India policy
Maldives President Muizzu
The tiny Indian Ocean nation of Maldives is all set to hold its 20th parliamentary elections on Sunday (Apr 21), the results of which must be announced before April 28. As per sources, preliminary results will be announced by tomorrow midnight and final results will be out by Monday morning.
The elections will be held in 93 seats in total. The opposition party Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), with 41 seats in hand, currently dominates the People's Majlis, the country’s parliament. A total of 284,663 registered voters will be polling at 602 stations nationwide to elect their leaders.
How many candidates are in fray?
President Mohamed Muizzu’s People's National Congress (PNC) has fielded the most number of candidates in these general elections. A total of 90 candidates are in the fray affiliated to PNC.
The opposition MDP is fielding 89 candidates. Additionally, 130 independent candidates are also vying for dominance in the elections.
The Democrats have fielded nine candidates, the Adhaalath Party four candidates, the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) four candidates, the Jumhooree Party (JP) 10 candidates and the Maldives National Party (MNP) has fielded two candidates in the parliamentary elections.
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Major test for Muizzu’s pro-China policy
The elections are seen as a major test for President Mohamed Muizzu’s pro-China and anti-India policy. He rose to power last November in presidential elections, riding high on his ‘India-out’ campaign.
In the last six months, Muizzu’s government has taken steps to expel Indian troops from the nation and solidify military ties with China.
If his People's National Congress fail to secure a majority in these elections, opposition parties could give him a tough time implementing policies that are widely seen as favouring China and hurting the interest of long-trusted ally India.
Court overturns Abdulla Yameen's conviction
Meanwhile, just two days ahead of the elections, a court in Maldives overturned the 11-year prison sentence of former president Abdulla Yameen.
Watch: Maldives Elections 2024: Lawmakers to be elected for 93-member strong people's Majlis
The 64-year-old leader was convicted in December 2022 of corruption and money laundering charges related to receiving kickbacks from a private company.
(With inputs from agencies)