Maldives President Muizzu faces first major political test in April 21 parliamentary elections

Less than a year after President Mohamed Muizzu’s election in the Maldives, he faces a crucial test in Sunday’s parliamentary elections. These elections will determine his control over Parliament and influence on the country’s legislative agenda. President Muizzu, who came to power on an anti-India platform after defeating former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, has struggled with a Parliament controlled by Solih’s Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

The parliamentary elections, initially scheduled for March 17, were postponed due to a vote led by the MDP in the legislature. On Sunday, the Maldives will conduct elections for 93 constituencies, with over 284,663 eligible voters across 602 polling stations, including three abroad. A total of 368 candidates are competing for seats in the legislature, according to the Elections Commission of the Maldives.

The political landscape in the Maldives has experienced significant fragmentation since the last presidential election. Former President Mohamed Nasheed and his supporters formed the Democrats, while tensions between former President Abdulla Yameen and President Muizzu escalated. Yameen, recently freed after a court overturned his conviction, established the People’s National Front (PNF) and fielded candidates.

With the political scene split into four major camps, including Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC), the focus of the parliamentary elections has shifted to domestic issues. Economic challenges, unemployment, and infrastructure development are key campaign topics. Observers anticipate a close contest, as Muizzu’s control over Parliament will determine his ability to implement his agenda.