New Delhi: New Delhi rejoiced on Monday as its bête noire President Abdulla Yameen was defeated in the Maldivian presidential elections on Monday. A jubilant India swiftly in the morning congratulated the victor Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and hoped that the Election Commission would officially confirm the result at the earliest.
In a parting shot to Yameen, New Delhi called the verdict "a triumph of democratic forces in the Maldives", adding that it "looks forward to working closely with the Maldives in further deepening our partnership". The result is being seen as a strategic setback for China as Yameen was extremely close to Beijing. Yameen was a thorn in India's flesh and defied New Delhi repeatedly, while cosying up to both China and Pakistan. Ties dramatically soured between India and its tiny south-western archipelago nation early this year after Yameen imposed an emergency in his country.
India said, "This election marks not only the triumph of democratic forces in the Maldives, but also reflects the firm commitment to the values of democracy and the rule of law. In keeping with our 'Neighbourhood First' Policy, India looks forward to working closely with the Maldives in further.”
President Yameen had declared the emergency on February 5 after the Maldivian Supreme Court ordered the release of a group of Opposition leaders, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials.
