In a significant setback to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, the pro-India Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has achieved a resounding victory in the Mayoral election of the capital, Male. The MDP candidate, Adam Azim, emerged victorious in what is being reported as a landslide, securing the prestigious post that was previously held by Muizzu. The recent triumph is anticipated to reinvigorate the political fortunes of the MDP, which maintains a majority in the Parliament.
Adam Azim, with an impressive lead of 5,303 votes, outpaced his rival Aishath Azima Shakoor of Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC), who received 3,301 votes, as reported by Maldives’ Sun Online news portal. The victory underscores the MDP’s continued influence despite the challenges posed by the incumbent president.
The mayoral polls took place against the backdrop of an ongoing diplomatic row with India, triggered by derogatory comments posted on social media by three deputy ministers of the Muizzu government against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The comments led to concerns in India, prompting calls for a boycott by Indian tourists, who constitute the largest group of visitors to the Maldives. This diplomatic tension unfolded during President Muizzu’s high-profile state visit to China, where he sought to strengthen ties with Beijing.
Despite the political turbulence, the MDP’s triumph in Male’s Mayoral election is seen as a significant political victory. The low voter turnout, approximately 30 percent of the eligible 54,680 voters, did not dampen the scale of Azim’s success.
Upon his return from China, President Muizzu congratulated Azim on his victory and expressed a commitment to cooperating with the Male City Council and the new Mayor. Azim, in turn, characterized his triumph as a victory for all residents of Male, extending gratitude to his supporters and acknowledging the efforts of MDP’s leadership and campaign teams.
As the political landscape evolves in the Maldives, the mayoral election results emphasize the dynamic nature of regional affiliations and the significance of domestic politics in shaping diplomatic relations. The MDP’s stronghold in Male sets the stage for potential shifts in the nation’s geopolitical stance.