Freedom of press and Parliament, crucial for a democracy: Speaker

Former President and current Speaker of the People’s Majlis, Mohamed Nasheed has stressed that the freedom of press and the freedom of the Parliament are crucial for a functioning democracy.

Nasheed said this in a statement publicized on social media, in commemoration of the International Day of Democracy, on Friday.

In his statement, Nasheed stressed that the current state of media freedom, and the level of independence Parliament in the Maldives has, is questionable. But he said the resolve should be to improve things in the future.

The Speaker added that the state revenue has increased since the people of the country accepted the democratic system and with the introduction of a tax system, the state's revenue has increased from MVR seven Billion to MVR 30 Billion.

He said that it is important to avoid the misuse of government's resources and power of positions, in the presidential elections to ensure it is free and fair.

Nasheed said it was a big consolation for him to see young candidates had competed in this year's presidential election.

Highlighting that the most important aspect of a democracy is free, fair and transparent elections, Nasheed stated that the second most important issue is to hold the government accountable, going on to add that the third most important issue would be a free and fair judicial system.

He said all trials involving the criminal justice system and mercantile commercial matters should be conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

The theme of this year’s International Day of Democracy, which falls on Saturday, is “Empowering the Next Generation”.

Saturday is also the country's National Day.