No institution will be allowed to function independently under President Muizzu's administration: Maleeh

Mohamed Maleeh Jamal, the Secretary General of the People’s National Front (PNF), has stated that as long as President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu remains in power, no state institution in the Maldives will have the opportunity to function independently.

Maleeh made these remarks while addressing the press following a meeting with members of the Elections Commission (EC) on Monday. The meeting was held to share several concerns raised by the PNF.

Speaking to the press, Maleeh stated that the mandatory use of e-Faas for political party registration is causing significant difficulties. He specifically highlighted the challenges faced by elderly residents in the atolls, noting issues such as discrepancies between phone numbers and email addresses when attempting to use the digital identity platform. To find a permanent solution to these issues, Maleeh called for a collaborative effort between the Elections Commission (EC), the National Centre for Information Technology (NCIT), the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, and the Local Government Authority (LGA).

Furthermore, he stated that since e-Faas has become mandatory for accessing essential services such as Aasandha, the verification process through local councils must be further strengthened. Maleeh also alleged that during the recent local council elections, the e-Faas requirement resulted in many citizens being deprived of their electoral rights.

Speaking on government interference, Maleeh stated that President Muizzu’s administration is exerting influence over all state institutions like an "octopus." He expressed particular concern regarding the pressure being placed on the judiciary and the People’s Majlis.

We are deeply concerned by the Muizzu administration’s octopus-like grip on all state institutions. This influence is particularly evident within the judiciary and the People’s Majlis, making the Elections Commission just one small component of a much larger issue. The reality is that the interference in these systems and the encroachment upon the independence of these institutions will only end with the conclusion of the Muizzu administration. This is the goal we are working toward. I do not believe any institution will have the space to function independently as long as Muizzu remains in power.

Mohamed Maleeh Jamal, Secretary General of the People's National Front (PNF)

Maleeh further stated that the People's Majlis, which ought to function with the utmost independence, is currently "paralyzed," adding that this situation will only change once the current administration's term concludes.

Concerns are mounting among the public over allegations that President Muizzu’s administration is undermining the independence of state institutions by appointing political activists to senior positions. Specifically, there is widespread public outcry regarding the appointment of political figures to judicial benches. Opposition parties have condemned these actions, alleging they are part of a calculated effort by President Muizzu to centralize all state powers. They further claim that these maneuvers are leading the Maldives' governance system toward authoritarianism.