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HomeWorld NewsASIAAdam Azim Clinches Male Mayoral Elections in Major Blow to Maldives President...

Adam Azim Clinches Male Mayoral Elections in Major Blow to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu

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In a notable setback to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, the opposition Maldives Democratic Party’s (MDP) candidate, Adam Azim, emerged victorious in the Male mayoral elections. The triumph, described as a “landslide” and “victory by a large margin,” dealt a blow to Muizzu amid an ongoing diplomatic standoff with India. Mohamed Muizzu resigned from the post in 2023 to contest the presidential elections.

Adam Azim secured a resounding victory with 5,303 votes out of 41 boxes counted. His rival, Aishath Azima Shakoor of Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC), trailed with 3,301 votes. The election, marked by a low turnout, unfolded amidst a diplomatic row triggered by derogatory comments made by three deputy ministers of the Muizzu government against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The controversial remarks sparked a social media row in India, prompting calls for a boycott of Maldives by Indian tourists. India consistently ranked highest in tourist numbers, followed by Russians in second place and the Chinese in third. The comments prompted Mohamed Muizzu to suspend the three ministers and, during a recent state visit to China, sought to strengthen ties with Beijing.

In a media briefing, Mohamed Muizzu announced that China had granted Maldives $130 million in assistance, earmarked for developmental projects. The primary focus of the funding will be the development of roads in Male, the capital of Maldives. The move comes as Muizzu attempts to navigate the fallout from the controversial comments and strengthen ties with Beijing.

The mayoral election outcome underscores a shifting political landscape in Maldives, with the opposition making significant gains. Adam Azim’s victory not only highlights the dissatisfaction with Mohamed Muizzu’s administration but also signals a broader political realignment in the country. As the diplomatic standoff with India continues, the aftermath of the election will likely have lasting implications for Maldives’ foreign relations and internal dynamics.

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