The recent presidential elections in the Maldives led to a major upset victory for Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the joint candidate of Opposition parties, including the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). This result turned over the reigns from the incumbent president Abdullah Yameen, who had held office since November 2013.
Historical Background
Prior to this electoral shift, the Maldivian Supreme Court had ordered the government on February 1, 2018, to release nine convicted opposition leaders and reinstate 12 parliamentarians who were ejected from their seats. However, President Yameen disregarded the order and imposed an emergency state. The crisis deepened as the judges of the Supreme Court and former president of the Maldives, Abdul Gayoom, were arrested in February 2018. The emergency was lifted 45 days later. International powers such as India, the EU, and the US criticized these actions and called on the Yameen government to uphold the country’s constitution and the Supreme Court ruling.
Election Day
Despite significant political tension, including jailed opposition figures and a defunct parliament, the election took place on September 23, 2018. There were considerable doubts regarding the fairness of the electoral process in this Indian Ocean archipelago nation due to the political unrest that had been stirring up.
The International Response
Following the electoral upset, nations such as the United States and Sri Lanka expressed their approval of the developments in the Maldives. The US emphasized their anticipation for “a peaceful transition of power,” and declared their commitment to collaborate with Mr. Solih’s new government.
Significance for India
The victory of the opposition candidate was viewed positively by India, which saw it as an opportunity to regain influence lost to China under the estranged relation with the Yameen Government. India, always a proponent of democratic processes, perceives the successful conduct of the election as a notable development. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi even called president-elect Solih to congratulate him on his victory and both leaders agreed to reinforce their nations’ relationship.
India-Maldives Relationship
India and the Maldives have shared deep historical, cultural, and economic connections since India recognized Maldives’ independence in 1965 and established diplomatic ties. India’s bilateral and financial aid to the Maldives has been reciprocated under an “India first” policy.
The Strategic Importance of the Maldives for India
The Maldives is of strategic importance to India due to its location in the Indian Ocean, nestled among key shipping lanes ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies to nations like China, Japan, and India; a factor affecting over 97% of India’s international trade by volume and 75% by value. As a preferred destination for Maldivians for education, medical treatment, recreation, and business, it’s essential for India to cooperate with the Maldives in security and defense sectors. The Maldives’ membership in SAARC is also crucial for India to maintain its leadership in the region. Additionally, the Maldives’ increasing significance in international geopolitics, especially considering China’s naval expansion into the Indian Ocean, makes this relationship all the more critical.
