Voting begins for Maldives Parliament, as India and China vie for influence

Maldivians were voting in parliamentary elections on Sunday, in a ballot crucial for President Mohamed Muizzu, whose policies are keenly watched by India and China as they vie for influence in the archipelago nation. Both countries are seeking a foothold in the Maldives, which has a strategic location in the Indian Ocean. Advertisement Mr Muizzu's election as president last year sharpened the rivalry between India and China, with the new leader taking a pro-China stance and acting to remove Indian troops stationed on one of the country's islets. Securing a majority in Parliament will be tough for the president because…