Significant structural reforms required to ensure government accountability: Shifaz
Former MDP Vice President Shifaz has emphasized the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure government accountability, noting that the current constitutional framework fails to protect citizens' rights due to a lack of sincere leadership. He further asserted that the state must be restructured to guarantee a judicial system free from political influence and interference.
Former Vice President of the MDP, Mohamed Shifaz, addresses a party gathering. | MDP
Former Vice President of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Mohamed Shifaz, has stated that significant structural reforms are necessary to reshape the state in a manner that ensures government accountability.
Speaking at a rally held at the MDP headquarters on Thursday night, Shifaz stated that the Maldives underwent a significant transformation following the ratification of the current Constitution. He noted that this shift facilitated a change in both the system of governance and the leadership of the country. However, he emphasized that the time has come once again to discuss further change, asserting that the Maldives is currently in a position where it must undergo another transformation.
He stated that although the "Green Constitution" is widely regarded as comprehensive, the country and its citizens are suffering due to a lack of sincere leadership. He further noted that without a leader of integrity, the constitution itself remains ineffective in addressing the nation's needs.
Shifaz noted that the Constitution remains powerless when a leader assumes office with the mindset that the country is their personal inheritance. He further remarked that such a leader acts according to their own whims, effectively dismantling the separation of powers between the three branches of government.
Shifaz stated that when a leader lacks sincerity, the state cannot be held accountable and the rights of the citizens cannot be protected. He further noted that no means have been found to increase the income of the people, and that the public is instead being driven into a state of destitution.
The state cannot be held accountable. Our citizens' rights are not being protected, and no avenues have been found to increase public income. Instead, the people have been left destitute. If a leader governs solely for their own personal interests, then this Constitution has failed to achieve anything for us. The only thing we can conclude is that things only improve if a leader comes to power with genuine sincerity. But what is actually happening? We have now seen four different administrations since this Constitution was enacted, yet we have not come anywhere close to achieving those ideals.Mohamed Shifaz
Shifaz stated that every time the MDP comes to power, it brings hope and vitality to the citizens. However, he noted that whenever the administration changes in the following term, the country regresses.
Shifaz stated that a significant transformation is necessary for the Maldives. He noted that as the MDP has a history of driving major national reforms, the party is capable of delivering this change as well.
Emphasizing that now is the time to restructure the state to ensure government accountability, Shifaz stated that the MDP will move forward with reforms aimed at holding the state accountable.
Shifaz stated that the people must hold power within the government and pledged to bring reforms to the country that would prevent interference in the judiciary. He noted that these changes would lead to significant economic growth for the Maldives, adding that President Muizzu would be unable to remain in power following these reforms.
