The ruling coalition of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the People's National Congress (PNC) reportedly utilised anti-India sentiments and disseminated disinformation during the 2023 presidential elections, as outlined in a report released by the European Union, according to a report issued by the European Union.
The European Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Maldives concluded its examination on January 9, focusing on the elections held on September 9 and 30 of the previous year. After an 11-week-long observation, the EU EOM, invited by national authorities, found that the PPM-PNC coalition's campaign was centred around concerns about Indian influences on the nation.
“Their campaign included anti-Indian sentiments, based on fears of Indian influences and anxiety regarding a presence of Indian military personnel inside the country. This theme was subject to multiple online disinformation attempts,” the report stated.
The then-incumbent president, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), sought re-election last year. However, Mohamed Muizzu of the People's National Congress (PNC), supported by the Opposition PPM-PNC coalition, secured victory by garnering 54% of the votes, defeating President Solih.
The report coincides with an ongoing controversy that prompted India to summon the High Commissioner of Maldives. The dispute emerged over derogatory posts by three Deputy Ministers after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshwadeep. In response, a Maldives Foreign Ministry spokesperson clarified that the comments were personal and did not reflect the views of the government.
Row over three Maldives ministers' remarks against India
The recent remarks by three Maldives ministers on social media over PM Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep and against India has generated rage among the countrymen, with many deciding to cancel their scheduled bookings to the island nation in protest.
The three deputy ministers had criticised Modi for his post on 'X' following his visit to Lakshadweep. They had said the move was an attempt to project Lakshadweep as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.
The Maldives government reacted by suspending three deputy ministers after they used social media to make negative comments about PM Modi. Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Sharif, and Mahzoom Maajid are the three suspended ministers.
India Maldives Relationship
Diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives have been rising in recent months, especially since President Mohamed Muizzu took office in November of last year. The new president has signalled a shift in foreign policy, indicating greater connections with China and a shift away from the old "India first" strategy.
The Maldives, geographically placed in the Indian Ocean, continues to play an important role in India's regional initiatives such as 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the 'Neighbourhood First Policy'.
Muizzu's travel to China has fuelled the debate even further. Currently, on a five-day state visit to China, he engaged in talks with President Xi Jinping on Wednesday.
The president's first state visit since taking office is viewed as a key step towards boosting ties with China. This trend can be seen in the president's choice of overseas venues, which includes trips to Turkey and the United Arab Emirates before meeting with India.
