News Desk
MALE’, Maldives — In a world where political turbulence has become the norm, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration stands out as a rare example of stability and resilience. The latest Baani Centre for International Policy poll places his approval rating at 62 percent, with a net approval of +24 points—numbers that would be the envy of many leaders in advanced democracies.
This achievement is particularly striking given the Maldives’ economic challenges: a debt-heavy balance sheet, global inflationary pressures, and the lingering aftershocks of the pandemic. Yet President Muizzu’s “Maldives First” agenda has resonated across the nation, offering a blend of pragmatic economic management and national pride.
The poll’s findings reveal broad-based national support. Approval among voters in rural islands stands at 64 percent, compared to 58 percent in urban centres such as Malé, Addu City, and Fuvahmulah. This rural-urban divide underscores the administration’s success in decentralization policies—harbour expansions, healthcare improvements, and infrastructure projects that directly benefit island communities.
Age-based analysis further strengthens the picture of resilience. Support is highest among voters aged 55 and above, where approval reaches 67 percent, reflecting confidence in Muizzu’s leadership among elders who value continuity and stability. Among younger voters aged 18 to 24, approval stands at 50 percent, a competitive showing in a demographic often characterized by volatility and high expectations.
Gender dynamics also reinforce the President’s mandate. 64 percent of women approve of his performance, compared to 60 percent of men. In a society where women play central roles in community development and commerce, this endorsement is seen as a cornerstone of national stability.
Analysts describe this as more than just popularity—it is the consolidation of a national project. By appealing to both the business elite of Malé and the fishing communities of the southern atolls, President Muizzu has built a coalition that is broad, pragmatic, and durable. His ability to balance reform with inclusivity has created a solid majority that sees him not merely as a politician, but as a steward of national transformation.
Even the 41 percent of supporters who describe their approval as “steady” rather than “fervent” are evidence of this pragmatic coalition. Rather than relying on emotional fervour, President Muizzu’s strength lies in trust and consistency—qualities that anchor his administration in a time of global uncertainty.
The Baani Centre emphasized the rigor of its methodology: nearly 10,000 calls placed, 391 successful interviews, and a 95 percent confidence level. This scientific precision confirms that Muizzu’s popularity is not anecdotal but statistically validated.
Taken together, the numbers tell a clear story: President Muizzu’s leadership is not only weathering global storms but actively steering the Maldives toward a future of stability, decentralization, and national pride.
