President Muizzu is currently working to seize the jurisdiction of every island; the public must rise up in opposition: Waheed

Former Member of Parliament for the Ungoofaaru constituency, Mohamed Waheed (Wadde), has accused President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of working to seize the jurisdiction and lands of every island.

Speaking at the MDP rally held on Tuesday night, Waheed stated that throughout world history, hostility and animosity first emerged when one group encroached upon another's territory. He added that even today, conflict is ignited whenever one party attempts to exert dominance over the territory of another.

Highlighting that this is a complete conflict of interest, Waheed stated that through the efforts of the MDP, the waters within 700 meters of every island's reef edge had been designated as part of that island's own jurisdiction. However, he alleged that President Muizzu is now stripping away the jurisdiction of every island.

Waheed stated that under the current administration, island residents have been stripped of the power to develop their own communities. He further noted that the government is restricting the authority of both the public and local councils by reducing block grants and cutting the number of elected councilors.

Dr. Muizzu is currently preparing to seize the jurisdictions of every island. He is moving to usurp the lands of every community. Consider this: even fish will strike if someone approaches the area where their family or offspring reside. Similarly, a hen will display aggression and confront anyone who nears its nest. It is an instinct of wild animals to resist and attack if someone encroaches upon their territory or the place where their family lives; they do not remain passive. Look at the jurisdiction of every island in the Maldives. Within just two years, he has taken the sole constitutional amendment passed and tucked it firmly into his own pocket.

Mohamed Waheed, the former Member of Parliament for the Ungoofaaru constituency.

Noting that various rights have been systematically stripped away during the first two years of this administration, Waheed stated that the right to a livelihood, as well as social and economic rights, are being violated.

Waheed stated that the free healthcare services guaranteed by law are currently unavailable, forcing citizens to seek assistance from government officials even for the most basic medications. He further noted that students pursuing higher education abroad under state-sponsored schemes are facing significant hardships due to delays in receiving their course fees.

The most fundamental characteristic of a sovereign state is to be governed in strict accordance with its written Constitution. It is not just the decentralization system that is being dismantled; Article 4 of the Constitution has been undermined, Article 5 has been sidelined, Article 6 has been thrown into chaos, and Article 7 has been completely disregarded. Within just two years, fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution are being systematically stripped away and plundered. The Constitution guarantees the right to life. However, within a mere two years, the Maldivian people have been subjugated to a state where they can no longer survive without praising the leadership, submitting to their rule, and bowing before those in power.

Mohamed Waheed, the former Member of Parliament for the Ungoofaaru constituency.

Waheed stated that Article 22 of the Constitution mandates the State with the responsibility of preserving and protecting the Maldives' environment for future generations. However, he noted that the reclamation of the Vaadhoo Strait is being carried out recklessly. Waheed further alleged that all established environmental protection standards have been discarded and that the conduct of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) has been suspended.

Waheed stated that the current leader is unfit for office. He urged the public to reject the government in the upcoming local council elections, following what he described as two years of consistent deception during this administration.