MDP takes to the streets, calling on government to implement 12 urgent reforms for the sake of national security, citing a total loss of public confidence in President Muizzu
MDP has called for 12 urgent reforms to address deteriorating national conditions, citing a loss of public trust due to rising government corruption and administrative failures. Accusing the administration of fiscal waste and the centralization of power, the party’s National Executive Committee has passed a resolution to launch a series of protests to demand these changes. MDP's resolution further urges the government to take immediate action to safeguard the nation's future.
During a press conference held by the MDP, the Parliamentary Group shared the government reform measures approved by the committee. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) National Executive Committee has passed a resolution to launch protests calling for 12 specific reforms in the interest of national security, asserting that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and his administration have lost the public's confidence.
The resolution passed by the MDP’s National Executive Committee asserts that the results of the recent local council elections and the government-initiated referendum clearly demonstrate a loss of public confidence in the administration. According to the resolution, the public’s decision stems from escalating state waste, rampant theft and corruption within the government, and a weakening of administrative governance. The resolution further states that power has been centralized in the hands of a single individual, undermining democratic principles. It emphasizes that urgent and robust reforms are now essential to return the nation to a path of reform and stability.
In light of the fact that a significant portion of the public has lost confidence in Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and his administration, it is asserted that their popular mandate has diminished. Consequently, in the interest of the Maldivian people and to safeguard the nation’s future and security, the government is being called upon to implement 12 specific reforms.
The 12 reforms MDP has called on the government to implement
- Repeal the legislative amendments that grant the President the authority to appoint the chairs and vice-chairs of independent institutions, and restore that power to the People’s Majlis in accordance with democratic principles.
- Review and revise amendments made to the State Finance Regulations that facilitate corruption, and strengthen the system by reforming provisions that allow projects to be awarded without a competitive bidding process.
- To invalidate the current provisions that allow Members of Parliament, elected by popular mandate, to be removed from office based on decisions by internal political party committees or their voting patterns in Parliament, thereby ensuring the legal independence of members.
- Repeal the changes introduced by the current administration that restrict the powers of the decentralized system, and amend legislation to ensure councils are granted full administrative and financial autonomy.
- Expedite investigations into corruption cases within the government. This includes investigating and promptly bringing to trial allegations regarding the excessive recruitment of personnel to state-owned enterprises ahead of the elections, major projects awarded without a bidding process, and the suspected illicit allocation of land plots through the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
- Disclose the total number of individuals appointed to government political positions, and provide comprehensive details regarding political appointments, recruitment within state-owned enterprises, and promotions granted over the past six months.
- As rising fuel costs have brought economic sectors—particularly the fishing industry—to a standstill, the government must fulfill the President's pledge to subsidize fuel prices and ensure affordable access for fishermen.
- To ensure the independence of the judiciary by fulfilling the President's pledge to reform the composition of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
- To remove the current chairpersons of the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Elections Commission, and to appoint capable individuals to these positions who can uphold the independence and integrity of these institutions.
- Prioritize curbing inflation and maintaining the affordability of essential services, while focusing on reducing state expenditure and eliminating wasteful spending. Furthermore, expedite the transparent dissemination of accurate information regarding the current economic situation to the public.
- Establish a specialized committee, including representatives from political parties and civil society organizations, to determine the constitutional amendments necessary to strengthen the nation's reform trajectory. Furthermore, structure the system to ensure that no changes are made to the Constitution without the prior consultation and recommendation of this committee.
- The Maldives' fragile environment is a national heritage that must be preserved and passed on to future generations with integrity. Consequently, there must be an immediate halt to projects conducted without adequate environmental impact assessments. Furthermore, fishing licenses issued without due regard for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports must be reviewed. Administrative changes that undermine the independence and authority of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) should be abolished, and the institution's full legal mandate to protect the environment must be restored.
The resolution stated that the party has decided to launch protests in the interest of the Maldivian people, calling for swift and adequate measures to rectify these issues.
