Maldivians cast their votes in crucial parliamentary elections, pivotal for President Mohamed Muizzu, amid heightened interest from India and China competing for influence in the Indian Ocean region. Muizzu’s pro-China stance and policies have intensified the rivalry, evident in his removal of Indian troops from a strategic islet. With fractured alliances and increased competition, securing a parliamentary majority poses a challenge for Muizzu. His “India out” campaign theme reflects strained Indo-Maldives relations, exacerbated by social media activism and tourism-related disputes.
Maldives Parliamentary Elections: India and China’s Influence at Stake
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