Pro-China Candidate Becomes Maldives President After 'India Out' Campaign

Mohamed Muizzou will be inaugurated on November 17 Photo: Dhahau Naseem/Stringer/Reuters

Opposition candidate Mohamed Muizzou wins Maldives presidential election election, heralding a potential pro-China shift in the Indian Ocean archipelago away from traditional partner India.

After almost all the votes were counted, the Maldives Election Commission said on its website that Mr Muizzou had received 54 votes. percent of ballots in the second round of voting on Saturday.

Incumbent President Ibrahim Solih received 46 percent of the vote.

Muizzou, mayor of the capital Male, campaigned on the slogan “India Out,” promising to withdraw Indian troops from the Maldives and rebalance the situation in the country. trade relations.

Mr Solih, who championed an «India First» policy during his time in office, will remain in office until Mr Muizzu is inaugurated on November 17.

Mr Muizzu has vowed to withdraw Indian troops from the Maldives. Photo: AFP

About 85 percent of the 282,000 eligible voters in the Maldives, known for its pristine beaches and luxury resorts, turned out at more than 586 polling stations in 187 countries. islands.

“I congratulate Muizza on his election victory and thank the people for their exemplary democratic spirit,” Mr. Solih tweeted.

Coalition supporting Mr. Muizza , supported Chinese loans. and investment projects in the past.

'A strong decision'

“Today the people have made a strong decision to return the independence of the Maldives,” Mr Muizzu told reporters in Male.

“All of us, working together, insha Allah, will succeed.”

“All of us, working together, will insha Allah succeed.”

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p> Fishermen celebrate at the port of Kihaadhoo island in the Maldives Photo: AFP/MLADEN ANTONOV

Mr. also visited Mr Solih to release former President Abdullah Yameen to house arrest.

Mr Yameen, who has close ties to Mr Muizzu, is serving an 11-year prison sentence for corruption and money laundering.

Yameen's supporters say the charges against him were politically motivated.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a congratulatory message to Mr. Muizz after his victory was announced.

p> > “India remains committed to strengthening the time-tested bilateral relationship between India and the Maldives and expanding our shared cooperation in the Indian Ocean region,” Mr. Modi said on Twitter.