President Muizzu would be better off not attempting to further "liberate" the judiciary: Solih

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that the best course of action for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is to refrain from interfering with the judiciary under the guise of further strengthening its independence.

He made these remarks during the "Ummeedheggai" rally held in Addu Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo, where he criticized the policies of the current administration.

Former President Solih stated that although President Muizzu emphatically declared on his inauguration day that political influence over the judiciary had come to an end, his actions have failed to align with his words. Solih noted that the President's remarks during last week's press conference—where he announced plans to submit legislative amendments to parliament to further "independently" reform the judiciary and independent institutions—are a matter of significant concern.

Solih stated that the best course of action at this time is to refrain from interfering with those institutions and to maintain them in their current state. He further noted that the public will make their decision in 2028, expressing confidence that the people will not grant the current administration another term.

It would be best if they refrain from interfering in these matters any further. For now, things should remain as they are. The people will make their decision in 2028. I am certain that the citizens of the Maldives will not grant this administration another term. This is precisely why they are attempting to introduce a secret document concerning the local council elections. They are calling it a parliamentary decision, yet this so-called referendum was pushed through the Majlis after a total of only two hours of debate.

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih

Solih also strongly criticized the government's efforts to amend the Constitution to hold local council and parliamentary elections simultaneously. He stated that the decision to proceed with a referendum after only two hours of debate in Parliament was a "ruse" by the government, triggered by their loss of public confidence. He further emphasized that any constitutional amendments must involve genuine public participation.

Furthermore, accusing the government of exerting undue influence during elections, Solih noted that developed nations have established regulations prohibiting the dismissal of employees or the launching of new projects within a specific period before an election. He characterized the attempt to consolidate elections while utilizing such powers in the Maldives as an act of stripping local islands of their existing authority.

Solih has urged the public to reject the government's efforts to consolidate elections. He stated that doing so would be equivalent to surrendering a vital safeguard for the development of local islands.