Maldives Presidential Elections 2023

September 6, 2023

The upcoming presidential elections in the Maldives, scheduled for September 9, are expected to be pivotal for both the country’s internal politics and its role in regional geopolitics. Several developments have set the stage for these elections:

Internal Political Divisions

Cracks within the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) emerged in early 2023, primarily driven by differences between President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and former President Mohamed Nasheed. Nasheed’s dissatisfaction grew after the Solih government shifted its support away from his views, resulting in Nasheed forming a new political party called The Democrats.

Ruling vs. Opposition:

The Maldives Supreme Court’s decision to bar jailed former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom from contesting the presidential election was a setback for the main opposition party, the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). It forced the PPM to nominate Mohamed Muizzu as their candidate.

Multiple Candidates

This year’s elections feature eight candidates, including Ilyas Labeeb from The Democrats, Mohamed Muizzu from PPM, and Qasim Ibrahim from the Jumhooree Party. Independent candidates include Ahmed Faris Maumoon, Umar Naseer, and Hassan Zameel.

Key Election Issues

The election agenda includes matters such as the influx of foreign workers, disputes over Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) between Maldives and Mauritius, and concerns about the country’s increasing debt.

Geopolitical Implications

The Maldives occupies a strategic location in the Indian Ocean, making its political landscape influential in regional geopolitics. The outcome of the elections could have implications for foreign policy and regional dynamics.

India-Maldives Relations

Under President Solih, relations with India improved compared to the previous administration. However, there have been occasional challenges, such as the ‘India Out’ campaign. Both governments acknowledge India’s role in the region.

Presidential candidates’ foreign policy stance regarding India

While some candidates have expressed a commitment to a balanced foreign policy that promotes friendship and development partnerships with various countries, others have advocated for an ‘India First’ policy with certain limitations.

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