Maldives Election Result Asserts Desire For Autonomy, Without Foreign Coercion: Mohamed Muizzu

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu declared that the Parliamentary elections underscored the nation's desire for autonomy and rejection of foreign coercion, as the ruling PNC clinched a supermajority.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, in a post-election celebration, declared that the Parliamentary elections underscored the nation's desire for autonomy and rejected foreign coercion. The remarks came after the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) clinched a supermajority in Sunday's polls to the People's Majlis, with the Muizzu-led party securing 68 out of 93 seats, alongside coalition partners Maldives National Party (MNP) and Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) securing one and two seats respectively, granting them over two-thirds control in Parliament.

"We are a proud nation that loves sovereignty and freedom, which we have shown to the international community as well," President Muizzu stated, as reported by news agency PTI citing Sun.mv news portal. He emphasised that the election outcome demonstrated Maldivians' commitment to upholding Islamic principles and shaping their own future without external influence.

"The parliamentary election result was also to prove Maldivians want autonomy in choosing their future, without foreign coercion," he remarked, without directly naming any country in his statements.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's China Push 

Muizzu, who has previously accused India of interference in Maldivian affairs and campaigned with an "India Out" platform during his presidential victory in September last year, urged detractors to respect the election results and refrain from discord, highlighting the nation's resolve to chart its own course.

"It has also become evident for those with other hidden agendas, what Maldivians want. So, I urge them to let go of dissidence, now that the elections are over," he said.

Having strengthened ties with China since assuming office, Muizzu expressed optimism about the Maldives' future, citing the election results as a validation of his administration's direction. After taking the oath of office in November last year, he visited China to cement Male's ties with Beijing, including in the defence sector.

On the other hand, he has forced the withdrawal of most of the 88 Indian military personnel deployed for three aviation platforms gifted by India to the Maldives. 

Meanwhile, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), led by former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and perceived as pro-India, secured only 15 seats.

With the PNC's parliamentary majority, Muizzu is poised to shape Maldives foreign policy, a country that is strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean near India's southern coast.

In a conciliatory tone, he called upon political leaders to unite for the country's development, urging, "I now wish to leave the differences. The election is over. I just very politely, happily call on all politicians and all political parties to move forward. This country belongs to all of us. This country belongs to every Dhvehi citizen Let's move forward together. Hopefully we will all have that happiness", as quoted by PTI citing Adhadhu.com.