Maldives Parliamentary Polls Today: Litmus Test For Prez Muizzu's Anti-India Policy

The Maldives is holding a parliamentary election on Sunday which is seen as a litmus test to President Mohamed Muizzu's anti-India policy.

President Mohamed Muizzu emerged victorious in last September's presidential election, representing the pro-China stance of former President Abdulla Yameen.

According to the reports, 368 candidates are vying for 93 seats in the parliamentary election, which are set against a backdrop marred by accusations traded between the main opposition, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), and President Muizzu's People's National Congress (PNC). Approximately 285,000 Maldivians are eligible to cast their votes on Sunday, with results expected as early as Monday.

This week, Yameen, who had been serving an 11-year prison sentence for corruption, was released following a court decision. Amidst ongoing campaigning for parliamentary elections, Muizzu has recently granted significant infrastructure contracts to Chinese state-owned firms.

Muizzu's election campaign theme for president was India out, accusing his predecessor of compromising national sovereignty by giving India too much influence. At least 75 Indian military personnel were stationed in the Maldives and their known activities were operating two aircraft donated by India and assisting in the rescue of people stranded or faced with calamities at sea.

Tensions escalated when Indian social media activists called for a boycott of Maldives tourism in response to derogatory remarks made by three Maldivian deputy ministers about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Thereafter, the number of Indian tourists visiting the Maldives has dropped significantly, moving India from the top source of foreign visitors to the sixth position.

In response to the drop in Indian tourists, Muizzu has turned to bolstering relations with China. During a visit earlier this year, he successfully negotiated for more tourism and inbound flights from Beijing.

This move aligns with Maldives' involvement in China's Belt and Road initiative, which seeks to expand trade and influence worldwide.