The election Indian Lok Sabha has started. The ruling BJP is making every effort to ensure its comeback, while the Opposition in INDIA is resolute in blocking it. However, India is closely monitoring another election in the neighboring region – the parliamentary elections in The Maldives.
Maldivians cast their votes in parliamentary elections on April 21, which are important for President Mohamed Muizzu as both India and China closely monitor his policies in their competition for influence in the country of islands.
Both nations are aiming to establish a presence in the Maldives, as it holds a key position in the Indian Ocean.
Mr. Smith’s behavior was inappropriate and unprofessional during the meeting. Muizzu’s appointment as President increased the competition between India and China, as the new leader favored China and worked to eliminate Indian soldiers on a particular island.
Mr. Muizzu will face challenges in securing a parliamentary majority as some of his allies have had disagreements and new parties have joined the competition.
368 candidates for 93 seats in Parliament are being put forth by six political parties and independent groups. It is anticipated that divisions within the major political parties, such as Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC), will make it challenging for any one party to secure a clear majority.
Approx. 284,000 people were eligible to vote and tentative results were expected to be announced late on April 21.
Muizzu emerged victorious in the presidential elections last year by pledging to eliminate Indian influence through his “India out” campaign. Many viewed him as a stand-in candidate for ex-President Abdulla Yameen, who was in office from 2013 to 2018 and had his 11-year prison sentence for bribery overturned by a court recently.
Straining India-Maldives relations
A minimum of 75 Indian soldiers were deployed in the Maldives, where they were utilizing two planes given by India and helping to save individuals in distress or in danger while at sea. Mr. Muizzu has initiated measures for civilians to assume control of those tasks.
Indian social media activists worsened relations by initiating a boycott of Maldives tourism. This was a response to three Maldivian Deputy Ministers criticizing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for suggesting the promotion of tourism in Lakshadweep, India’s group of islands like the Maldives.
Recent statistics from the Maldives government show a decrease in the number of Indian tourists, causing the country to drop from the top spot as the main source of foreign visitors to sixth place.
Maldives moving closer to China
Earlier this year, Mr. Muizzu traveled to China and discussed raising the number of tourists and inbound flights from China.
In 2013, Maldives became part of China’s “Belt and Road” initiative to construct ports and highways in order to increase trade and China’s power in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
He went to China as well and had a meeting with the president of China, Xi Jinping. Upon coming back, he expressed, “Even though we’re small, that doesn’t mean they can bully us.” Although he didn’t explicitly mention any specific country, the comment was interpreted as a dig at India.
