President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced a sweeping shift toward merit-based government appointments, pledging to prioritise professional qualifications and experience while reducing political influence across state institutions.
Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office on Monday, the President said the policy direction reflects public expectations following the recent referendum on constitutional amendments to synchronise presidential and parliamentary elections. He stressed that administrative reforms will be guided by the outcome, with a clear focus on downsizing government structures, cutting expenditure, and strengthening accountability.
President Muizzu made clear that appointments to state-owned enterprises and government bodies will no longer be driven by political considerations or personal recommendations. Instead, candidates will be assessed on merit, competence, and relevant experience, marking a significant recalibration of governance practices.
Outlining concrete measures, the President said he would exercise his constitutional powers under Article 115 to enforce higher standards in ministerial appointments. Under the new framework, individuals appointed as State Ministers must possess at least a Master’s degree in a relevant field, while Deputy Ministers will be required to hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree aligned with their responsibilities.
He noted that these standards are designed to ensure that key public roles are filled by individuals with the expertise necessary to deliver results, particularly at a time when the government is seeking to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
Reaffirming his broader reform agenda, President Muizzu said the administration remains committed to aligning its policies with the aspirations of the public. He pledged to continue engaging closely with citizens and to ensure that government decisions reflect the voice and priorities of the Maldivian people.
The announcement underscores a broader push by the administration to strengthen institutional performance and restore public confidence through transparent and capability-driven governance.
