The upcoming Maldives’ presidential election on September 9 is unfolding as a competitive race, with incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih facing off against seven challengers.
These include Mohamed Muizzu, the Mayor of Malé, from the Progressive Alliance, Qasim Ibrahim from the Jumhooree Party (JP), IlyasLabeeb representing the Democrats, former Defense Minister Mohamed Nazim from the Maldives National Party (MNP), and three independent candidates: FarisMaumoon, Umar Naseer, and Hassan Zameel.The election’s local dynamics are intertwined with significant international implications. The Maldives’ strategic location along crucial Indian Ocean shipping lanes has attracted attention from competing external powers, primarily India and China. India’s interest arises from geographical proximity, while China’s focus is driven by the Maldives’ strategic maritime position, aligned with routes critical for China’s energy transport and the Maritime Silk Route of its Belt and Road Initia