Change in the Maldives

  • October 4, 2023
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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Change in the Maldives

Subject: International Relations

Section: Places in news

Context: Opposition candidate Mohamed Muizzu was elected President of the Maldives.

More about the news:

  • The Maldives has elected Mohamed Muizzuas its new leader, replacing President Ibu Solih.
  • Muizzu’s victory in the presidential run-off is attributed to anti-incumbency sentiment, economic concerns post-COVID-19, party rifts, and sovereignty issues.
  • The contest was seen as India versus China, with India extending congratulations but needing to maintain impartiality.
  • Muizzufaces economic challenges, potential release of former President Yameen, and decisions on governance structure and foreign relations.

What is the Electoral System in Maldives:

  • Maldives Parliament is called Majlis/People’s Majlis.
  • The structure of Parliament is Unicameral.
  • In the Maldives, Parliament and Council elections run under the first-past-the-post majority system. Voters vote for only one candidate.
  • The Assembly (Majlis) has 87 members. All members are elected directly for a term of five years from 87 single-member constituencies.
  • The President of the Maldives is elected using the two-round system.
  • If no candidate wins more than 50% of the votes, then a second round, or run-off, is held.

What are India’s recent projects in Maldives:

  • Water and sanitation in 34 islands,
  • Roads and land reclamation under the Addu development project,
  • A cancer hospital, a port project, a cricket stadium, two airport development projects,
  • the Greater Male connectivity project with bridges,

What is Greater Male Connectivity Project

  • Afcons, an Indian company, has signed a contract for the largest-ever infrastructure project in Maldives-Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP)
  • The Project will consist of a 6.74 km-long bridge and causeway link between Male and nearby islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. It will use renewable energy.
  • The project is funded by a grant of USD 100 million and a Line of Credit (LOC) of USD 400 million from India.
  • It is not only the biggest project India undertakes in the Maldives but also the biggest infrastructure project in the Maldives.
Change in the Maldives International Relations