Mohamed Muizzu wins the presidential election in the Maldives, marking a possible rapprochement with Beijing
The Maldives, famous for their heavenly landscapes and luxury tourism, are the subject of particular attention following the 2023 presidential election. Indeed, Mohamed Muizzu, pro-Chinese candidate, won this election by beating the outgoing president Mohamed Solih, who had worked to strengthen ties with India, a traditional ally of the archipelago.
The results of the electoral commission announced the victory of Mohamed Muizzu with 54.06% of the votes against 45.94% for Mohamed Solih. This result marks a possible turning point in relations between the Maldives and China, in a region where rivalries between India and China are strong.
Indeed, during his mandate as mayor of the capital Malé, Mohamed Muizzu supported Chinese investments in developing countries, notably through the “new silk roads” project. He has also been a strong supporter of a Chinese-funded bridge project linking the capital to the country’s main airport.
This pro-Chinese orientation contrasts with Mohamed Solih’s efforts to improve relations with India. When he came to power in 2018, Mohamed Solih sought to restore ties with New Delhi, even inviting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his inauguration. However, the archipelago’s links with China have raised concerns, both in the West and in India.
China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean region, where the Maldives archipelago is located, is raising questions about its influence over the region. Bilateral relations between the countries of the region are very influenced by this rivalry between the two Asian powers.
Although Mohamed Muizzu has clearly expressed his intention to follow the pro-China policy of his predecessor, he will have to find a balance between the interests of China and India. India remains a key player in the region and it will be crucial for the new Maldives president to maintain good relations with the neighboring giant.
Mohamed Muizzu’s victory marks a political turning point in the Maldives and raises many questions about the future of the archipelago’s international relations. The next few years will be crucial for observing the evolution of these relations and the consequences of this rapprochement with China.