Maldives President Muizzu's PNC Wins Landslide Victory

The People’s National Congress (PNC), led by Maldives President Muhammad Muizzu, has secured a resounding victory in the recent parliamentary elections, winning 65 out of the 93 seats available. This landslide win marks a significant shift in the country's political landscape, with the main opposition Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) seeing a sharp decline in its representation, dropping to just 12 seats from its previous 65.

Both China and India have been actively engaging with the Maldives, seeking to bolster their influence in the strategically important Indo-Pacific region. President Muizzu, who assumed office last year, has signaled a departure from the country's longstanding 'India First' policy, causing tensions with New Delhi. His administration's decision to ask numerous Indian military personnel to leave the Maldives has raised concerns about a potential pivot towards closer ties with China.

It is important to note that President Muizzu's position remains unaffected by the outcome of the parliamentary elections, where a total of 368 candidates competed for five-year terms. The election results reflect a significant realignment of political forces in the Maldives and are likely to have far-reaching implications for the country's foreign relations and domestic policies.