Maldivians participated in parliamentary elections on Sunday, a significant event for President Mohamed Muizzu, whose policies are closely monitored by India and China as they compete for influence in the archipelago nation. Both countries are eager to establish a presence in the Maldives due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean.
President Muizzu's election last year intensified the rivalry between India and China, with the new leader adopting a pro-China stance and taking steps to remove Indian troops stationed on one of the country's islets. Securing a majority in Parliament poses a challenge for Muizzu as some of his allies have distanced themselves, and additional parties have entered the electoral race.
