President Muizzu’s Party won in Maldives Parliamentary Election

The parliamentary election held on April 21 in the Maldives resulted in a significant win for the political party led by President Mohamed Muizzu. 

• The People's National Congress (PNC), led by Muizzu, secured 66 out of the initial 86 seats declared, ensuring a super-majority in the 93-member parliament. 
• This outcome indicates strong support from voters for Muizzu's alignment with China and a shift away from traditional ties with India.
• The election results are viewed as a critical test for Muizzu's agenda, particularly his plans for enhanced economic collaboration with China, which includes the construction of numerous apartments on contested reclaimed land. 
• Muizu, a former construction minister, has promised to combat rising sea levels by undertaking ambitious land reclamation projects and building elevated islands. However, this strategy has been criticized by environmentalists for potentially worsening flood hazards.
• The Maldives, known for its luxurious holiday destinations, also has a strategic location along global shipping routes, making it a focal point of geopolitical tensions in the Indian Ocean. 
• Muizzu won the presidential election last September and continued the pro-China policies of Abdulla Yameen, the former president. Yameen was released from prison last week after his 11-year corruption sentence was overturned by the court.

India’s investment in Maldives

• Several important infrastructure development projects are currently underway in India.
• These projects are being funded through the concessional Line of Credit initiative, and they include the redevelopment of Hanimaadhoo International Airport, water, and sanitation projects in Baarah and Kelaa islands, and the Gan International Airport Redevelopment project. 
• The Development Partnership Administration (DPA), a department under the Ministry of External Affairs, is responsible for leading these efforts. The DPA's mission is to foster "Strengthening Friendship through Developmental Partnerships."

Maldives 

• Maldives is a group of islands located in the north-central Indian Ocean, which are part of the South Asian region. 
• These islands were formed from a submerged ancient volcanic mountain range and are primarily made up of coral atolls.
• Maldives is separated from Lakshadweep's Minicoy island by eight-degree channels. All the islands are low-lying, with none of them rising to more than 6 feet (1.8 metres) above sea level. Unfortunately, due to rising sea levels, Maldives is at risk of being submerged in the Indian Ocean.
• Capital: Male 
• Currency: Rufiyaa
• In 2011, Baa Atoll, which is home to a globally significant biodiversity among its numerous reefs in the Indian Ocean, was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognizing its importance in preserving the natural environment.
• The Maldives is a presidential constitutional republic, where the president holds extensive influence as both the head of government and head of state. 
• The president leads the executive branch and appoints the cabinet, which is then approved by the People's Majlis (Parliament).