Abdul Raheem: Good Governance Measured by Positive Change in People’s Lives

The Speaker of the People’s Majlis, Abdul Raheem Abdulla, has stated that the true measure of good governance is the positive transformation brought to the lives of the citizens.

Addressing the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) held in Arusha, Tanzania, the Speaker of the Parliament delivered a keynote speech on this year's theme: "Promoting Good Governance and Empowering Societies through Inclusivity, Trust, and Opportunity." During his remarks, the Speaker emphasized the vital importance of people-centered governance, accountability, and broad-based participation in strengthening democratic institutions and fostering public trust.

He stated that good governance is not merely about establishing institutions, but rather about listening to the people, ensuring equal opportunities, and making those institutions accountable to the public.

Furthermore, he emphasized that the role of legislatures extends beyond mere lawmaking; it encompasses listening to the people, monitoring policy implementation, ensuring the responsible use of state resources, and increasing community participation in decision-making processes. Highlighting the importance of accessible services in an archipelago like the Maldives, he also noted that digital tools such as "eFaas" help overcome geographical challenges and bring government services closer to the citizens.

Highlighting the importance of gaining public trust, the Speaker of the People’s Majlis noted that such confidence is built upon transparency, accountability, integrity, and the delivery of results. Furthermore, he emphasized the role of the Right to Information Act, public petitions, and digital platforms in increasing civic engagement. He also underscored the significance of institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission in strengthening integrity and accountability.

The Speaker of the People's Majlis highlighted that good governance is inherently linked to peace and security. Touching upon the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Palestine, as well as the unrest in parts of Africa, he emphasized that it is the responsibility of parliamentarians to seek peaceful resolutions through dialogue, uphold international law, protect human dignity, and support peaceful settlements.

Furthermore, he emphasized that governance and legislative decision-making must be evidence-based and results-oriented, noting that the value of policies and laws should be measured by the tangible outcomes they deliver for the citizens.

Concluding his remarks, the Speaker of the Parliament emphasized that the true measure of good governance lies not only in the strength of institutions but in the positive impact those institutions have on the lives of citizens. He further called for legislatures to become more open, inclusive, and responsive to the public's voice while delivering tangible results. To build public trust, he urged for greater transparency and accountability, as well as expanded access to information and increased public participation to empower communities.

The Speaker of the People's Majlis has reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to collaborating with international parliaments through the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to promote good governance, strengthen democracy, and empower communities.