Maldives is poised to have its run-off poll for electing a President. In the recently held polls, no candidate was able to get more than 50 per cent votes, thus inviting run-off poll between the two top contestants, as per Maldives’ constitution.
Opposition Progressive Party of Maldives candidate Mohamed Muizzu garnered the maximum votes, 46.06 per cent. He was followed by President Solih with 39.06 per cent. Labeeb the proxy candidate for Mahamed Nasheed received only 7.18 per cent of the votes.
The current Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Muizzu are now the only contenders. However, Mohamed Nasheed, who walked out of the ruling party, and formed the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) could easily be the prime influencer in the impending poll
Important from an Indian point of view is the fact that during the ongoing Presidential polls in Maldives, a malicious propaganda campaign has been launched by sections of the Opposition against purported Indian military presence.
The so-called “military presence,” which is, in effect, specialist aviation contribution that has largely played a humanitarian role in support of the people of Maldives. The statistics speak for themselves.
An Indian Dornier aircraft and two helicopters with the Air Wing, Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF) have saved many lives (1-day old baby to 97-year-old lady) through Medical Evacuations from all across Maldives even in the difficult weather conditions. Additionally, these aircraft have effectively enhanced capability of MNDF in intercepting and preventing narcotics trafficking through the ocean around Maldives. These aircraft have been extensively deployed for Surveillance, Patrol, Search and Rescue, Special Operations training and various other operations in conjunction with MNDF Coast Guard.
Since January 2019, 495 precious lives have been saved by 470 Medical Evacuation sorties
Further, 428 Surveillance, Patrol, Search & Rescue Missions and other operational sorties have been undertaken safeguarding interests and enhancing maritime security of Maldives .
In order to just illustrate the overall utilization in the last two years, a few statistics need elaboration. In 2021 Medical Evacuation (Medevac) sorties were 109, while operational sorties were 147. In addition, movement of medical teams and covid sample transfers numbered 24. In 2022 Medevac sorties were 140, while Operational sorties were 122.
In the current calendar year, till 31 Aug 2023, Medevac and Operational sorties were 78 and 27, respectively.
Illegal drug trafficking & psychotropic substance abuse by the youth is the single largest socio-economic problem in Maldives today. The Indian assistance has played a key role in keeping the illicit and illegal drug trade conducted over the sea routes in check. Most drugs in the Maldives arrive via small dhows from the Makran coast (Iran-Pakistan).
India has stood firmly behind Maldives all along. It has provided the support required by Maldives’ democratically elected ruling parties in progressing the countries economy, An island nation like Maldives faces threats from the sea by organized groups indulging drugs and human trafficking. Indian assistance to Maldives has given it greater stability.
Team Bharatshakti.in
