Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s Pro-China party poised to win parliamentary elections in 2024

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC) emerged victorious in the parliamentary elections held on Sunday, April 21, with official results expected to be declared on Monday, April 22. The ruling PNC secured 50 out of the 93 seats in the 20th People’s Majlis, granting them a majority in parliament. The PNC also won the majority of seats in the capital city of Male’.

According to reports, the PNC led by Muizzu secured 59 seats out of the 203 where counting is complete, followed by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) with 10 seats and Independents with nine seats. Other parties like the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), Jumhooree Party (JP), Democrats, Maldives National Party (MNP), and Adhaalath Party (AP) also secured seats in the parliament.

The voter turnout was reported to be 72.96 percent, with 207,693 people casting their ballots. The election is crucial for President Muizzu, who has faced allegations of corruption and faced opposition demands for impeachment. Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, has been working on strengthening ties with China, which has raised concerns in India, given the strategic importance of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean Region.

The election outcome will have implications on the geopolitical landscape in the region, as India and China continue to vie for influence in the Indian Ocean. Muizzu’s victory signals a continuation of his policies, which could impact the dynamics between India and China in the region.