Nobody is above the Maldives constitution: president

Nobody is above the Maldives constitution or has additional powers that are not guaranteed to them under the constitution, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Speaking at the Republic Day function held in Dharubaaruge on Sunday night, the president noted that the government will not discriminate among the people when providing their services and carrying out development schemes. As such, the incumbent administration will serve everyone, equally, without discrimination in regards to their ideologies or political affiliation, said the president.

Further, the president touched on the close cooperation and support received by four of the ruling coalition leaders, in all the government’s efforts, having thanked them for their continuous support.

Highlighting that the courts have a responsibility to ensure justice is served fairly and rights are guaranteed to all, the president went on to assure the people that he will put in his best efforts to uphold the constitution.

The government highly prioritizes ensuring public peace and accord while it lasts and thus, urges everyone to exercise their rights in accordance with the constitution and to refrain from going against it, said Solih.

In addition, while there is less than a week for the incumbent to celebrate one year in power, he shed light on some of the achievements of the government over the year. Violent crimes have plummeted in number comparative to the amount recorded in the past six years, said the president.

Solih also said that there have been no reported deaths since the government took over, and that the reports are 50 percent lower compared to the previous administration.

Highlighting the notable achievements in foreign relations over the past year, Solih stated that his foreign policy was carefully formed to revive the weakened ties with other countries.

The government secured USD 3.2 billion as grant aid through efforts to foster relations with the international community, added the president.

Other achievements include establishing Solar PV systems in 13 islands, declaration of 14 areas as protected regions, efforts to list parts of southernmost Addu City and Fuvahmulah City as UNESCO Biosphere Reserves under the infrastructural development agenda. Also, the government has commissioned 34 harbor development projects thus far out of which 14 are currently underway, road development projects in seven islands, approval of water and sewerage network projects in 33 islands and the provision of generators to 58 islands in line with the government’s vision to provide “uninterrupted” electricity services.

Further, Solih stated that the government aspires to commence development projects marked within the scope of the budget for the upcoming year, by the end of 2021.

The government also began projects to build tertiary hospitals in five regions, celebrates the enrollment of 4,736 students in free degree courses, providing student loans to 567 students as well as building mosques in eight islands.

As revealed in the proposed amendments to the Decentralization Act, Solih stated that they will provide financial and legal autonomy required for regional development.

November 11 is observed as Republic Day in the Maldives which celebrates the change of monarchy to a republic in the country in 1968, during the rule of former President Ibrahim Nasir. The first time Maldives became a republic was in January 1953 during the rule of Mohamed Amin Didi.