PNC, led by Maldivian President Muizzu, wins majority in Parliamentary elections | Global News

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has secured a “supermajority” in Parliament by winning over 60 seats in Sunday’s crucial parliamentary election, seen as a litmus test for the pro-Beijing politician whose policies are being closely watched by both India and China amidst regional power dynamics.

The Elections Commission (EC) reported that 207,693 people cast their ballots, resulting in a voter turnout of 72.96 per cent. A total of 368 candidates were in the fray, including representatives from various political parties.

Preliminary results indicate that Muizzu’s Progressive National Congress (PNC) secured over 60 constituencies, with the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) trailing behind. The PNC dominated in all major cities across the Maldives, marking a significant shift in political landscape.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed’s party, The Democrats, and candidates endorsed by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom failed to secure any seats, according to media reports.

The election is crucial for Muizzu, who has faced allegations of corruption and faced opposition from lawmakers during his tenure. Despite these challenges, no major issues or complaints were reported during the voting process.

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, now serving as a top advisor at MDP, expressed confidence in his party’s performance in the election, hoping for a clear majority.

The election in the Maldives also comes at a time of strained ties between the country and India, with Muizzu’s pro-China stance raising concerns in New Delhi. The outcome of the parliamentary election will have significant implications for the geopolitical dynamics in the region, as both India and China vie for influence in the Indian Ocean.