His Excellency
Mohamed Muizzu
މުޙައްމަދު މުޢިއްޒު
Official portrait, 2024
President of the Maldives
Assumed office
17 November 2023
Vice PresidentHussain Mohamed Latheef
Preceded byIbrahim Mohamed Solih
President of the People's National Congress
Assumed office
2023
Vice PresidentHussain Mohamed Latheef
Preceded byAbdul Raheem Abdulla
Mayor of Malé
In office
17 May 2021 – 17 November 2023[1]
PresidentIbrahim Mohamed Solih
DeputyAhmed Nareesh
Preceded byShifa Mohamed
Succeeded byAhmed Nareesh (interim)
Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
In office
21 May 2012 – 17 November 2018
PresidentMohammed Waheed Hassan
Abdulla Yameen
Preceded byHimself (as Minister of Housing and Environment)
Succeeded byMohamed Aslam
Minister of Housing and Environment
In office
19 February 2012 – 21 May 2012
PresidentMohammed Waheed Hassan
Succeeded byHimself (as Minister of Housing and Infrastructure)
Personal details
Born (1978-06-15) 15 June 1978
Malé, Maldives[2]
Political partyPeople's National Congress (since 2023)
Other political
affiliations
See list
Spouse
​
(m. 2003)​
Children3
Parent
Residence(s)Muliaage (official)
Dhimyaath (own)
Alma mater
AwardsBodu Rasgefaanu Title
Signature
Website

Mohamed Muizzu (/məˈhæməd muːɪz/ ⓘ Dhivehi: ޑރ. މުޙައްމަދު މުޢިއްޒު; born 15 June 1978) is a Maldivian politician who is currently serving as president of the Maldives since 17 November 2023. He was selected for his party's nomination after former president Abdulla Yameen was jailed for serious corruption charges. He was chosen as his successor since Abdulla Yameen was ineligible to run for elections.

He served as Housing Minister under President Waheed Hassan and Abdulla Yameen, and was serving Mayor of Malé before being nominated as the People's National Congress candidate for the 2023 presidential election, in which he defeated then-president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Early career

Education

Muizzu went to Majeediyya School, the oldest school in Maldives.[4] He earned his bachelor's and master's degree in structural engineering at the University of London, and he earned his PhD in civil engineering at the University of Leeds. His PhD thesis concerned "Thermal and time-dependent effects on monolithic reinforced concrete roof slab-wall joints" and was awarded in 2009. He has also attained Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from America's Project Management Institute (PMI).[5][6]

Goverment jobs

He began working for the government in 1998, as a Construction & Public Works Planning Technician Trainee at the Ministry of Construction and Public Works.[6]. Muizzu also served as the Governor of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank[7]

Political career

Minister of Housing (2012–2018)

Offical portrait Housing Minister, 2012

In 2012, Muizzu assumed the role of Minister of Housing and Environment during the administration of President Waheed as a member of the Adhaalath Party (AP). He continued in this post after the 2013 Presidential Election under President Abdulla Yameen's administration. By this time Muizzu was a member of the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), part of a coalition government. The Ministry of Housing and Environment was later restructured and renamed as the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure during his five-year term in office.

Works during the Ministry

During this time, Muizzu oversaw several infrastructure projects including the Sinamalé Bridge. The bridge connected the capital city of Malé to the Velana International Airport on the island of Hulhulé, and is the first inter-island bridge in Maldivian history.[8]

The rest of his term as Minister saw further infrastructure projects completed, including the construction of numerous harbors,[9] jetties, parks, mosques, public buildings, sporting facilities, and roads.[6] Muizzu also oversaw the introduction of modern asphalt paving techniques on the streets of Malé,[10] and the implementation of new building and maintenance codes.[6]

Progressive Party of Maldives

Following the 2018 presidential election, Muizzu left the MDA and joined the party of the outgoing president, the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).[3] In 2019, Muizzu was appointed the vice-president and the head of the Elections Department of the then-opposition (PPM).

Mayor Of Malé

Mayoral Election 2021

In 2021, Muizzu was elected mayor of Malé defeating the candidate from the then-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party.[11]

Muizzu was the First Mayor of Malé, to be directly elected by the people of Malé. He also became the First Mayor of Malé to be elected for a 5-year term. After 11 Years and 3 consecutive terms of rival Maldivian Democratic Party's control over Malé city council. Muizzu was elected to Mayor from Progressive Party of Maldives.[12]

Mayor of Malé (2021–2023)

During his Mayor term, Muizzu Kept working closely with the people in Malé, making house calls to gain a better understanding of the living conditions in Malé, and actively advocating for decentralization and empowerment of local bodies.[6].

Camaign and election 2023

Following the conviction of former president and opposition leader Abdulla Yameen for embezzlement, Muizzu was nominated as the presidential candidate for the People's National Congress (PNC), part of the opposition coalition, with MP Hussain Mohamed Latheef as his running mate.[13] In the first round of the 2023 Maldivian presidential election, he received 46.06% of the vote, a plurality, and advanced to the second round on 30 September 2023.[14] He was elected president in the second round, winning 54.04% against the incumbent Solih's 46.04%.[14] Muizzu was sworn in as the new president on 17 November 2023.[15][16]

Muizzu has also pledged to release former President Yameen from prison.[17]

Presidency (2023–present)

Inauguration

On November 17, 2023, Muizzu was sworn in as the 9th President of the Republic of Maldives; the fourth to be democratically elected, he is also the 6th person from Malé to president.[18][19][20]

First and second offical trip

On 26 November 2023, Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed went on their first official trip to Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz met Muizzu in Ankara.[21][22][23]

His second trip was to the United Arab Emirates, to attend the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai.[24][25]

First 100 days

Freedom and sovereignty of the Maldives

In Muizz's 100 Days, he started the withdrawal of the Indian troops in the Maldives. [26]

Muizzu started the process of bringing an end to the secret agreements made by the previous governments with other countries that threatened the independence and sovereignty of the Maldives and appeal against the ruling of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea to lose part of the South Sea within the Exclusive Economic Zone.[27]

Foreign Policy of the presidency

In 20 August, 2023, at Muizz's manifesto launch he said, at his government he would make its foreign policy in a way that prioritizes maintaining close relations with countries while also preserving the Maldives' independence. He stressed that his government would not align exclusively with any single nation. [28][29]

China and India relations

On January 7th, Muizzu arrived on china on a invitation extended by President Xi Jinping.[30] as a china-pro candidate Muizz's presidential campaign focused on reducing Indian influence in Maldivian affairs. Observers have described him as pro-China.[31][32][17]

Muizzu (left)
Xi Jinping (right)

In interviews prior to taking office, Muizzu has said that all Indian troops should leave the Maldives. As of 2021, the Maldivian Defence Ministry said about 75 Indian personnel were based in the country, operating aircraft given to the Maldives by India.[33][34][35]

United States

Muizzu maintained the relations with the United States as other Maldivian goverments do, and in January 2024, Maldivian goverment announced that Muizz's goverment has been discussing to United States goverment for PayPal services in the Maldives., In 4 January 2024, Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer received a phone call from the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, During the phone call, Minister Zameer and Blinken reflected on the renewed vigour of the bilateral relations between the Maldives and the United States, and discussed on further strengthening the existing bilateral partnership. [36][37][38][39]

The discussions between Minister Zameer and Secretary Blinken centred on a wide range of issues, including defence cooperation, economic development, climate change and adaptation, democratic governance, and the rule of law. [40][41][42]

Economic Policy

In January 2024, Muizzu decided to establish a development bank in the Maldives and undertake a review of the Economic Policies. Following the Cabinet discussion on a proposal submitted by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Muizzu decided to establish the Maldives International Financial Services Authority.[43] Muizzu has also decided to form a creative economy in the Maldives.[44]

Personal life

During Muizz's Election, in a interview, Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha highlighted that they Met on Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in April 2003, Before meeting, they kept chatting.[45] Muizzu married Sajidha Mohamed on 18 May 2003; they have three children.[46][47][48]

Muizzu born 15 June 1978 in the capital of the Maldives, Malé. He was born to Sheikh Hussain Abdul Rahman and Husna Adam. Muizz's Father, Abdul Rahman (1940–2015) was a former judge and scholar of religion [49][50] who in 2013 received the National Award of Honour from then-president Waheed for "contribution in the area of religious awareness and religious education".[51]

Muizzu has a half-sister Fathimath Saudha, who is a PNC candidate for the Nilandhoo constituency.[52][53].

Honors

Decoration Organisation Country Date
Bodu Rasgefaanu MNACI  Maldives 24 Dcember 2023

Maldives National Association of Construction Industry (MNACI)'s Highest Honor conferred the "Bodu Rasgefaanu title" on Mohamed Muizzu, Muizzu received the title in appreciation of his contributions to the Maldives construction industry.[54][55][56][57]

References

  1. ↑ "Pres-elect Dr. Muizzu resigns as Male' Mayor ahead of Swearing-In ceremony". Avas.mv. 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  2. ↑ "President Muizzu 'intro'". 29 November 2023. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  3. 1 2 Rasheed, Lujine (25 September 2018). "Housing minister Muizzu shifts allegiance from MDA to PPM, to work with President Yameen". The Edition. Archived from the original on 10 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  4. ↑ "Interview with the mother of President Elect, Dr. Muizzu". YouTube (Video). Mihaaru Videos. 8 October 2023. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  5. ↑ "Who studied here?". University of Leeds. University of Leeds. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 "President Dr Mohamed Muizzu". The President's Office. The President's Office. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  7. ↑ "About Dr Muizzu". Muizzu 2023.
  8. ↑ Rehan, Mohamed (12 July 2018). "Housing Minister announces official name of CMF bridge". Avas. Archived from the original on 10 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  9. ↑ "Discover Mohamed Muizzu: Biography, Net Worth, Family & More". 9 December 2023. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
  10. ↑ "Tarring of Ring Road will be completed this month: Housing Minister". PSM News. 24 August 2018. Archived from the original on 10 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  11. ↑ "LCE 2020: MDP takes mayoral seats in 3 cities, PPM takes Male'". Sun. Retrieved 19 September 2023.
  12. ↑ "Dr.Mohamed Muizzu". Malécity.gov.mv. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  13. ↑ "2023 presidential election: PNC's candidate Muizzu leads polls". Sun. Retrieved 19 September 2023.
  14. 1 2 "Presidential Election 2023 – Result Website". Elections Commission of Maldives. Retrieved 19 September 2023.
  15. ↑ Masood, Mohamed Iyad (2 October 2023). "Preparations underway for Muizzu to be sworn in on November 17". Sun. Archived from the original on 10 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  16. ↑ "President-elect to be sworn in at 1645hrs on November 17". PSM News. 24 October 2023. Archived from the original on 10 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  17. 1 2 "Pro-China candidate Mohamed Muizzu wins Maldives presidency, upending relationship with India". The Guardian. AFP. 1 October 2023. Archived from the original on 12 October 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  18. ↑ "New Maldives president is sworn in and vows to remove Indian troops". AP News. 17 November 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  19. ↑ "Dr Mohamed Muizzu sworn in as the 8th President of the Maldives". The President's Office. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  20. ↑ "Dr Mohamed Muizzu inauguration speech 17 November 2023". The President's Office. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  21. ↑ Mohamed, Mariyath (28 November 2023). "President Muizzu meets with Turkish President Erdogan". The Edition. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
  22. ↑ Shahid, Malika (26 November 2023). "President Dr. Muizzu departs on first official visit to Turkey". The Edition. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
  23. ↑ "The Vice President of Türkiye pays a courtesy call on the President". The President's Office. 27 November 2023. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
  24. ↑ "Remarks by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives, Chief Guest of the Reception held on the occasion of the 52nd Union Day of the United Arab Emirates". The President's Office. 27 November 2023. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
  25. ↑ "President reiterates commitment to prioritise the interests of Maldivians". The President's Office. 27 November 2023. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
  26. ↑ "Why did Maldives President Muizzu ditch India for Turkey on his first foreign visit?". Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  27. ↑ "Hafthaa 14". The Presidents Office, Maldives. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  28. ↑ "Foreign relations will be based on independence and sovereignty respect: Muizzu". Avas. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  29. ↑ Sharma, Nalinie. "Will Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu Tilt Towards China?". The Diplomat. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  30. ↑ "The President and First Lady to make a state visit to China". The Presidents Office. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  31. ↑ Macan-Markar, Marwaan (1 October 2023). "Maldives' Muizzu marches to victory on anti-India drumbeat". Nikkei Asia. Archived from the original on 11 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  32. ↑ "Who is Mohamed Muizzu, Maldives's pro-China president-elect?". Al Jazeera. 1 October 2023. Archived from the original on 31 October 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  33. ↑ Ethirajan, Anbarasan (22 October 2022). "Mohamed Muizzu: The Maldives' new president wants India out". BBC News. Archived from the original on 31 October 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  34. ↑ "Mohamed Muizzu: The Maldives' new president wants India out". Retrieved 4 December 2023.
  35. ↑ "Told Indian envoy 'every single Indian military personnel should be removed': Maldives Prez-elect Muizzu". Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  36. ↑ "Secretary Blinken's Call with Maldivian Foreign Minister Zameer". state.gov. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  37. ↑ "FM Zameer and US Secretary of State Blinken discuss strengthening bilateral partnership". sun.mv. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  38. ↑ "Top diplomats discuss boosting Maldives-US ties". Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  39. ↑ "Ahead of Mohamed Muizzu's China visit, Antony Blinken dials Male". msn.com. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  40. ↑ "Foreign Minister Zameer received a phone call from the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken". Forign Ministry. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  41. ↑ Udhuma, Fathimath. "FM Zameer receives a phone call from the US Secretary of State Blinken". Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  42. ↑ "Blinken Connects with Maldivian Foreign Minister Zameer". Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  43. ↑ "President Decides to Establish a Development Bank and Address Economic Policy Decisions Upon Cabinet's Recommendation". The Presidents Office, Maldives. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  44. ↑ "The President decides to form a creative economy in the Maldives". The Presidents Office, Maldives. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  45. ↑ "Interview with President Elect, Dr Muizzu". YouTube (Video). Mihaaru. 8 October 2023. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  46. ↑ "President Dr Muizz's family". 25 December 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  47. ↑ "President muizzu's biggest supporter is his wife, sajidha". 25 August 2023. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  48. ↑ "Muizzu 'personal life". 7 December 2023. Retrieved 7 December 2023.
  49. ↑ "Dr. Muizzu wins the Maldives' presidential election". Avas. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  50. ↑ "MIN MUIZZU FATHER DEAD!". PRZMUIZZU. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
  51. ↑ "President confers National Honours and Award to 3 individuals". The President's Office. 4 September 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  52. ↑ "Dr. Muiz ge kokko Nilandhoo Dhaairaa ah kurimathi lavvanee". Channel News Maldives. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  53. ↑ "Dr.Muizzu ge kokko Fathimath Saudha,". ppmpnc.com. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  54. ↑ "The MNACI confers the "Bodu Rasgefaanu title" on President Dr Muizzu". The Presidents Office, Maldives. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
  55. ↑ Rehan, Mohamed. "MACI confers highest honor to President Muizzu". The Edition. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
  56. ↑ Shahulaan, Hussain. "The MNACI confers the "Bodu Rasgefaanu title" on President Dr Muizzu". Retrieved 25 December 2023.
  57. ↑ Fathuhy, Aishath. "MNACI confers the "Bodu Rasgefaanu" title on President Dr Muizzu". Retrieved 25 December 2023.
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