The incumbent administration was able to continue efforts to strengthen the republic, instill democratic principles and uplift the Maldivian people this year, despite the challenges faced by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The president made this remark in his address to the Maldivian people on the occasion of the 53rd Republic Day of the Maldives.

His address centered around his administration’s efforts to instill democratic principles and uplift the Maldivian people during the past two years, since assuming office in November 2018.

The government will mark a milestone of these efforts on November 18, this year.

Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing global pandemic, the Solih administration has been able to proceed with 154 out of the 372 development projects initiated since coming into power.

Stressing that Covid-19 has forced the country to revise economic predictions and re-prioritize projects contained in the government’s Strategic Action Plan, Solih stated that the government will attempt to deliver on its major pledges through a streamlined budget for the upcoming year.

Some of the incumbent government’s key priorities include decentralizing Maldives, ensuring infrastructural progress, high-quality basic services nationwide, upholding human rights and protecting the environment.

Reiterating his pledge to eliminate single-use plastics in Maldives by 2023, Solih pledged to continue efforts to provide financial assistance to individuals and business affected by the pandemic, as part of its broader efforts to restore and revitalize the economy.

Further, the president noted that the rights of the Maldivian people were severely obstructed when he assumed office and added that there was no space for political dissent and free expression.

In light of this, the Solih administration had put in its best efforts to renew political space and restore the basic rights of the people including free expression and free media. These have been deemed absolutely essential for the democratic republic to thrive, said the president.

In particular, free media is a powerful tool with a profound influence on the country’s direction, in light of which the president urged media outlets to “always” adhere to honesty and integrity.

During his Republic Day address, the president assured the people that he will prioritize the protection of religious unity and preserve its sovereignty and independence as long as he remains in office.