In the midst of a diplomatic dispute between Male and New Delhi, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) dealt a significant blow as their candidate, Adam Azim, secured a landslide victory in the mayoral election of the capital. Formerly held by Mohamed Muizzu, who recently resigned to contest presidential elections, the post has now been claimed by Azim.
Adam Azim, the former CEO of Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), led the mayoral race with a substantial margin, garnering 5,303 votes out of 41 counted boxes. The opposition MDP, led by pro-India former president Mohammad Solih, celebrated Azim’s win as a triumph.
This victory is crucial for MDP, which still holds a majority in the Parliament. The low voter turnout in the Male by-elections, with only 17,500 out of 54,680 eligible voters participating, reflects the subdued political atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the diplomatic tension between India and the Maldives intensified as Mohamed Muizzu, after a state visit to China, emphasized the Maldives’ independence. Muizzu’s return was marked by statements asserting that the Maldives is not in any country’s backyard, and the Indian Ocean does not belong to a single nation. This alludes to a recent dispute triggered by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s social media posts showcasing his activities in Lakshadweep.
During his visit to China, Muizzu aimed to strengthen ties with Beijing. The diplomatic strain escalated when Muizzu suspended three ministers over social media posts that stirred concern in India. Muizzu, elected president on an “India Out” platform, seeks to realign the Maldives closer to China, emphasizing sovereignty and distancing from Indian influence.