Mohamed Muizzu Wins Maldives Election

A Pro-China candidate has won presidential elections in the Maldives, defeating an incumbent who had strengthened relations with India.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih accepted defeat in the run-off poll, congratulating his rival Mohamed Muizzu who won 54% of the vote.

Muizzu, Mayor of the Capital Male, campaigned with the slogan “India out”.

Solih will serve as Caretaker President until his successor is inaugurated on 17 November.

The Maldives have long been under India’s sphere of influence. Maintaining its presence there has given Delhi the ability to monitor a key part of the Indian Ocean.

Muizzu, 45, from the Progressive Alliance coalition favours better relations with China.

China, with its rapidly expanding Naval Forces, wants access to such a strategically important location.

REUTERS