China's ruling Communist Party has expressed contentment over the parliamentary supermajority secured by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's People's National Congress (PNC).
The editorials of People's Daily are the mouthpiece of the Communist Party's policies and concerns. The newspaper's editorials are also reported by international media in that capacity.
The PNC won 66 seats in the election held for the 20th People's Majlis on April 21. But the number has risen to 76 after several independent MPs-elect decided to join the ruling party.
An editorial in the People's Daily said the victory would have a positive impact on relations between China and Maldives. The "election result indicated the Maldives' greater need for economic development rather than getting entangled in geopolitical conflicts" it said.
Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute was reported as saying that Muizzu's presidency faced considerable pressures and challenges before the election because the opposition party controlled the parliament.
But such an overwhelming electoral victory significantly strengthens Muizzu's presidential mandate, which is beneficial for the smooth implementation of his current domestic and foreign policies, he was reported as saying.
According to the People Daily editorial, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin also congratulated the PNC on its election victory at a media briefing on Monday.
"China stands ready to work with the Maldives to carry forward traditional friendship, expand exchanges and cooperation in various fields, deepen China-Maldives comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and speed up the building of a China-Maldives community with a shared future to deliver greater benefits to our two peoples," Wang said.
Speaking at a ceremony held by the PNC, Muizzu said foreign countries will now understand what the Maldivian people want.
"To everyone outside of Maldives. To everyone in the international community. It must be clear now. That we want to decide our own matters by ourselves," he said.
Even during the parliamentary election campaign, he continued accusing political rivals of not prioritising the national interest and conspiring with foreign parties. He described the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) as an enemy of the nation.
"... [The way you are] will be clear to those with us trying to have a certain agenda," he said
