Voters’ choice

Voters’ choice

Article

1. This article analyses the recent election result of Maldives and what it means for India.

Important Analysis

2. Background and facts of the election in Maldives

• Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has been declared the winner of the recently held election in Maldives.
• He defeated Abdulla Yameen, the incumbent President.
• He is the joint presidential candidate for an opposition alliance and belongs to the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
• Faisal Naseem is the Vice-President-elect.

3. Issues with Abdulla Yameen’s presidency:

• His presidency saw a rise of Islamist radicalism in Maldives.
• He was accused of undermining the democracy in Maldives as he imposed a 45-day state of emergency in his country.
• Former President Mohammed Nasheed who is in exile was disqualified to contest the elections.
• Also, Former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was sent behind bar on the charge of attempting a coup.
• There were also many concerns about the conduct of Election Commission, the courts and security forces.
• Counting procedures were changed and foreign journalist were not granted visa to cover the election.

4. Tilt towards China:

• President Yameen fostered close ties with China and Saudi Arabia, ignoring India.
• During his China visit in 2017, the two nations signed 12 pacts, including a free trade agreement (FTA).
• Maldives became the second country in South Asia, after Pakistan, to enter into an FTA with China.
• He fully endorsed China’s ambitious Maritime Silk Road initiative.

5. Why the conduct of successful election and the results are important?

• Everyone assumed that Abdulla Yameen will get a second term owing to controlled nature of the elections.
• There was also fear with regards to the smooth transition of power which was put to rest after the incumbent President conceded defeat and vowed to ensure smooth transition.

6. Challenges for the new government

• The new government will be tested in governance.
• Democratic institutions have weakened in Maldives and the fragile democracy can be susceptible to radical ideologies if not effectively government.
• Economic presence of China in Maldives is a reality and the new government will have to deal with it.

7. Significance of the result for India

• The results present a chance for India to reset ties with Maldives.
• Talks on visas to Indian job holders can begin once the new government takes over.
• India can also now renew talks over the fate of Indian Coast Guard and Air Force personnel stationed in the Maldives, whose visas have been pending since June.

8. What India should do?

• India should siege the moment to rebuild ties with Maldives.
• It must stay away from positioning itself behind any one particular party in Maldives.
• India should build sustainable long-term relationship with people of neighboring countries including Maldives rather than focusing only on political elite.
• The larger agenda must be to partner the Maldives in its stability and development rather than engaging in a tug of war with China.