Opposition candidate Mohamed Muizzu is on track to secure victory in the Maldives' presidential run-off election held on Saturday, surpassing the incumbent Ibrahim Solih, according to local media reports. This outcome could potentially lead to a shift in the Indian Ocean archipelago's alignment toward China.
As per the latest reports, Mohamed Muizzu has garnered 54% of the vote, while Ibrahim Solih has secured 46%.
The election saw an enthusiastic turnout, with thousands of voters at 586 polling stations spread across the Maldives' 187 picturesque islands renowned for their sun-drenched beaches and luxury resorts. Additionally, Maldivian citizens cast their votes at polling stations located in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Britain, and Abu Dhabi.
Incumbent Ibrahim Solih, who was vying for a second five-year term, emphasized an "India first" policy during his tenure and concentrated on strengthening ties with the influential neighboring nation, India.
In contrast, the coalition supporting Mohamed Muizzu launched an "India out" campaign, pledging to remove a modest Indian military presence that includes several surveillance aircraft and approximately 75 personnel.
Notably, Mohamed Muizzu entered the political arena with the backing of former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen, known for his pro-China stance. President Yameen had been disqualified from participating in the election by the Supreme Court in August due to a conviction for corruption and money laundering.
Following the projected election results, supporters of both Muizzu and President Yameen gathered outside the main office of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) in the capital, Male, celebrating their anticipated victory and chanting slogans in support of "free President Yameen."
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