2 October 2023 09:41 am Views - 88
In the presidential run-off of the Maldives, Incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed was defeated by Mohamed Muizzu, the Mayor of the capital Male City. The race was interpreted by the foreign media as a competition between China and India over the archipelago nation that lies strategically in the Indian Ocean.
The incumbent President who strengthened ties with India was defeated by Mr. Muizzu with an eight-point lead. President Solih, in a message on X, formerly Twitter, congratulated Mr. Muizzu on his victory and thanked the people of the Maldives for “the beautiful democratic example.”
Voter turnout was reported at more than 85 per cent. Mr Solih will serve as caretaker president until his successor is inaugurated on November 17.
According to the foreign media, Mr. Muizzu campaigned on the slogan ‘India Out’.
India and China compete for influence in the region. Sri Lanka and the Maldives naturally fall within the sphere of their influence.
China reaches out to the countries in terms of development loans under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project. In recent times, India has, however, extended crucial assistance to both countries. In Sri Lanka, India gave much-needed financial assistance amounting to US $ 4 billion.
India asserted itself by giving more assistance to the Maldives during the time of Mr. Solih.
Mr. Solih faced allegations of graft and subjecting the Maldives to the influence of India. Also, his party suffered a split ahead of
the vote.