Maldives holds parliamentary elections amid China-India rivalry

In the Maldives, President Mohamed Muizzu and election chief Fuad Thaufeeq have urged citizens to exercise their right to vote in the parliamentary elections held on Sunday, April 21. According to reports, over 73% of the 284,000 eligible voters had cast their ballots before polls closed. The election is considered crucial for Muizzu's plan to strengthen economic and defense cooperation with China. Six political parties and independent groups fielded a total of 368 candidates for the 93 seats in Parliament.