Referendum is a vote to dismantle decentralization system and strip citizens of their right to have a say and decide: Solih

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has characterized the proposed referendum to align the presidential and parliamentary elections—scheduled for April 4—as a calculated move by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration to dismantle the Maldives' decentralized governance system and strip citizens of their right to self-determination and influence.

He made these remarks while addressing the "Kulhudhuffushi City Thilafathah" rally organized by the MDP in Kulhudhuffushi.

In his remarks, former President Solih accused the current administration of undermining the independence of state institutions and attempting to consolidate power within the presidency. He highlighted that the legal framework has been amended to strip away the independence previously exercised in appointing the heads of the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Elections Commission, allowing the President to appoint individuals of his choosing. He described these actions as a deliberate effort to dismantle the nation's system of accountability.

The independence that once existed in electing the President of the Elections Commission has been dismantled, replaced by changes that allow the President of the Republic to appoint a preferred individual. This was a deliberate effort to corrupt the entire system. He is systematically dismantling the whole framework of accountability. The next step taken was to strip the power from the representatives you elected to the People’s Majlis. Changes were implemented to ensure that members can only vote according to party instructions. It was legally mandated that any member who acts independently would lose their seat. Consequently, the voice of the people has been completely silenced within the Parliament.

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih

Furthermore, Solih stated that the voice of the people in Parliament has been completely silenced by amending the law to ensure members lose their seats if they vote against party lines, a move he described as an attempt to undermine the authority of parliamentary representatives. He also noted that at a time when public confidence in the judiciary was growing, the authority of the Supreme Court has been compromised. This follows the suspension of two highly capable Supreme Court justices via a late-night letter sent through the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Speaking on the decentralization system, President Solih stated that amending the law to prevent elected councils from serving the public during the final year of their five-year term is an attempt to dismantle the system. He accused President Muizzu of working to reverse the democratic system established through the sacrifices of many and transitioning the country toward authoritarian rule.

These are the systemic changes being implemented by this administration since President Dr. Muizzu took office. The very system that so many of us spent years sacrificing for is being systematically dismantled. They are working to reverse our progress and transition the Maldives toward an authoritarian regime. This is the dual challenge we face ahead of the April 21st elections. First, there is a deliberate effort to completely dismantle the decentralization system, which was established to serve the people directly within their communities. Second, there is a calculated plan to hold two elections simultaneously as a means to strip the people of their voice and their right to determine their own future. Therefore, the people of Kulhudhuffushi must reflect deeply on these developments.

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih

Solih stated that the vote scheduled for April 4 is a calculated move to dismantle the decentralization system designed to bring services closer to the people and to strip citizens of their voice. However, he concluded his remarks by noting that the people of Kulhudhuffushi are known for their courage in speaking out. He expressed full confidence that they would turn out on that day to deliver a resounding "no" to the government's current policies.