If Muizzu wishes to govern for the remainder of his term, he must listen to people and reform policies: Solih

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that if President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu wishes to govern effectively for the remainder of his term, he must listen to the people and reform his administration's policies.

Speaking at a gathering held Friday night in Lh. Hinnavaru to celebrate the Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) success in the local council elections, Solih stated that the public had sent clear messages to the government through the local council and Women’s Development Committee elections, as well as the referendum held on April 4.

Solih stated that the current administration's direction is flawed and that the public has rejected its policies.

In this regard, Solih said that President Muizzu has to listen to the concerns of the people and acknowledge the necessity of revising government policies.

A leader must listen to the voice of the people and the message they have delivered. I am stating that President Dr. Muizzu must heed the concerns raised by the public. Policies must be revised, and the current trajectory of the government needs to change. The powers of local councils, currently withheld by the administration, must be restored. Furthermore, the constitutional amendments recently passed to restrict the Parliament and silence the people must be repealed immediately. These amendments must be withdrawn. This is the message the people have sent: the government's direction is wrong, and its policies are unacceptable. This is a reality that anyone in power must listen to and accept.

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih

Furthermore, Solih stated that instead of rectifying current issues, many individuals are being dismissed from their jobs unjustly, while others are being subjected to threats regarding their employment. He noted that as these situations continue to deteriorate, President Muizzu must listen to the people and implement necessary reforms if he wishes to remain in power for the remaining two and a half years of his term.

"They should not be removed from their jobs. Instead, you must reform yourself. That is the only way forward for this nation. Allow independent institutions to operate with autonomy. Stop exerting influence over the judiciary. We, the people, do not accept these actions. If you wish to serve the remaining two and a half years of your term, you must proceed by rectifying these issues."

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih

Solih stated that the Maldivian people closely monitor national developments and remain mindful of them. He therefore urged the leadership to be compassionate and just rulers for the citizens.