In setback to India, China-backed Mohamed Muizzu elected as new President of Maldives

In an outcome seen as a setback to India, Mohamed Muizzu was elected as new President of Maldives. China-backed Mohamed Muizzu defeated pro-India incumbent Ibrahim Solih in the presidential runoff. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Mohamed Muizzu on his election victory. Muizzu, who is the mayor of Male, was backed by former president Abdulla Yameen. Abdulla Yameen is widely seen as a China lackey. He is currently in jail, but Mohamed Muizzu has promised to free him on being elected. Yameen was also the man behind the India Out campaign that greatly contributed to the Mohammed Muizzu’s victory.