President Dr Mohamed Muizzu declared that the Maldives has been freed from what he described as a long-standing culture of political vengeance, saying his administration has ushered in the country’s most open era of democracy, with greater political freedoms and protections for free expression.
Speaking at the official ceremony marking the Maldives’ 61st Independence Day on Saturday, the President outlined his government’s efforts to strengthen the nation’s independence across multiple sectors, including governance and democratic institutions.
‘Democracy is being practised more freely’
President Muizzu said genuine domestic freedom can only be achieved through the full implementation of democratic principles, adding that democracy is now being practised more freely than at any previous point in Maldivian history.
He said political parties and leaders are able to operate without interference, contrasting the current situation with previous administrations that, according to him, imprisoned political opponents.
“To date, no political leader has been arrested. No former President has been imprisoned. Is this how things were done in this country before? Historically, as soon as a new government was elected, the immediate priority was to imprison the outgoing leader. Nothing but a spirit of vengeance was being implemented in the nation,” President Muizzu said.
‘Culture of cruelty has ended’
The President said his administration had fulfilled its pledge to end politically motivated reprisals, arguing that the country has now been liberated from what he described as the shackles of political vengeance.
He added that a long-standing culture of cruelty had come to an end, allowing democracy to function in its fullest form.
Press freedom and constitutional responsibility
President Muizzu also said his government has ensured the broadest space for freedom of expression and press freedom.
At the same time, he stressed that these rights should be exercised responsibly, urging citizens and media organisations to uphold the Constitution, comply with the laws of the Maldives, and respect the principles and values of Islam.
