Pro-China Candidate Wins Maldives Presidential Race

Opposition candidate Mohamed Muizzu has won the Maldives presidential election, defeating incumbent President Ibrahim Solih in a second-round runoff, which may signal a pro-China shift for the Indian Ocean archipelago away from its traditional partner, India, reported by Mohamed Junayd for Reuters.

With nearly all votes counted, the Elections Commission of the Maldives stated on its website that Muizzu had received 54% of the ballots in Saturday's vote. I Photo: Dr Mohamed Muizzu Facebook

With nearly all votes counted, the Elections Commission of the Maldives stated on its website that Muizzu had received 54% of the ballots in Saturday's vote, with Solih receiving 46%.

Approximately 85% of the 282,000 eligible voters in the Maldives, known for its pristine beaches and high-end resorts, turned out to vote at over 586 polling stations spread across 187 islands.

Solih commented on the election results, saying, "I congratulate Muizzu for winning the election and thank the people for their exemplary democratic spirit."

During his time in power, Solih championed an "India First" policy.

He will remain as president until Muizzu's inauguration, scheduled for November 17. The coalition supporting Muizzu has previously backed Chinese loans and investment projects in the Maldives.

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