The parliamentary election in the Maldives on Sunday revealed a significant lead for President Mohamed Muizzus ruling coalition, potentially indicating further complexities in Indias relations with the island nation, already strained due to Males alignment with Beijing.Reports from Maldivian media, hours into the vote count, showed Muizzus Peoples National Congress (PNC) leading in 59 out of 93 parliamentary seats. Meanwhile, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), previously advocating an India First policy, trailed with leads in only 15 seats. Other entities like the Maldives Development Alliance, the Jumhooree Party, and independent candidates showed leads in seven seats combined, suggesting a comfortable majority for PNC in Parliament.During the campaign, Muizzu framed the parliamentary election as a referendum on his governments policies. The PNC urged voters to secure a majority to swiftly fulfill presidential campaign promises, including the withdrawal of Indian military personnel responsible for operating helicopters and an aircraft in the Maldives.A significant development has been the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, mainly involved in humanitarian and medical missions, with the final batch scheduled to leave by May 10. These personnel will be replaced by civilian experts.Muizzu, critical of former President Mohammed Ibrahim Solih for allegedly following foreign directives, made impassioned appeals for national sovereignty and protection at pre-election rallies. His governments decisions, especially regarding foreign relations, have been closely scrutinized amid growing influence competition between India and China in the region. Both nations have invested substantially in infrastructure and housing projects in the Maldives recently.
