India-Maldives Row: Pro-India MDP Crushes Muizzu in Maldives Mayoral Polls

Male: In a crushing defeat for President Muizzu, the pro-India Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) swept the Male mayoral election. MDP candidate Adam Azim secured a commanding lead, leaving Muizzu’s People’s National Congress nominee Aishath Azima Shakoor far behind.

MDP candidate Adam Azim secured a landslide victory over Muizzu’s nominee, Aishath Azima Shakoor, with over 5,300 votes to 3,300. This crucial win marks a significant comeback for the MDP, which lost the 2023 presidential election to Muizzu.

The polls unfolded amidst diplomatic tensions with India, triggered by Muizzu officials’ anti-Modi remarks, and concerns over Muizzu’s recent China visit. Low voter turnout further underscored the public’s discontent.

This victory revitalizes the MDP and pro-India sentiment, potentially influencing Maldivian foreign policy and increasing scrutiny of Muizzu’s administration.