News

The President calls for a renewed commitment to democracy and building a better future

Published

1 year ago

30/03/2023

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih called on the international community on Wednesday to renew their commitment to democracy, adding that democracy requires constant renewal, adaptation, and innovation and demands the active participation and commitment of everyone. Delivering his national statement at the 2nd “Summit for Democracy,” hosted by H.E. Joseph R. Biden, the President of the United States of America, President Solih urged the international community to join forces to create a better future for both the present and future generations.

Highlighting the significant progress made by the Maldives since the first summit in 2021, President Solih described fiscal accountability and transparency as essential requisites to the effective functioning of a democracy. The President stated that his administration had proposed two amendments to legislation to ensure greater independence for local councils and strengthen public procurement policies and audit mechanisms. He added that the administration is working towards moving to performance-based budgeting.

In his statement, President Solih also noted that judicial reform is one of the priorities of his administration. The President said that public perception of the Maldives’ judiciary has significantly improved over the past four years, with more swift and transparent court proceedings now in place. He added that an amendment to the Judicature Act had been proposed to parliament, which would enable the establishment of district courts and the circuit system, which would ensure greater efficiency and accessibility.

President Solih also highlighted his efforts to promote gender equality and ensure the inclusion of women in decision-making roles, describing it as one area in which his administration excelled. Over the past four years, the administration has appointed female justices to the Supreme Court, achieved parity in the Maldives’ diplomatic representation abroad, and increased the number of women councillors in local government. The President noted that the administration’s Gender Equality Action Plan of 2022 is a step towards increasing the representation of women in local government, corporate governance, the parliament, and the judiciary.

In his statement, President Solih also stressed the importance of a free and independent civil society for a properly functioning participatory democracy. Noting that threats to civil society organisations’ safety are considered detrimental to an open society in the Maldives, the President stated that the administration-led Associations Act aims to empower civil society organisations financially by allocating more significant financial resources from the state. He added that with the introduction of an NGO portal, civil society organisations will have access to information and resources to increase their collective capacity.

Source(s): President Office

News

Uthuru Thila Falhu to reduce imports, ensure food security: Minister Saeed

Published

9 hours ago

24/04/2024

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has emphasised the government’s endeavor to enhance food security through the Uthuru Thila Falhu project, aiming to curtail imports.

In an interview with a private media outlet, Minister Saeed underscored the significance of locally sourced products in ensuring food security for citizens. He also highlighted plans for island-level production.

Additionally, Minister Saeed outlined a upcoming initiative set to launch in Uthuru Thila Falhu, focusing on bolstering food security by cultivating ample fruits, vegetables, and seafood to cater to both resorts and residential areas across the nation. He said that the project aligns with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s vision for the country, aiming to transform Uthuru Thila Falhu into a pivotal food hub.

Furthermore, Minister Saeed disclosed that the Maldives Industrial Development Free Zone has entrusted the China Harbour Engineering Company with reclaiming land and establishing an agricultural zone in Uthuru Thila Falhu. The project includes the creation of a specialized agricultural zone serving as a pivotal distribution center for agricultural products and inputs.

Source(s): PsmNews

News

Six independent MP-elects sign with PNC

Published

9 hours ago

24/04/2024

Six independent candidates who were elected to the Parliament in the recent elections have signed with the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC).

In the parliamentary elections held on Sunday, PNC had endorsed several independent candidates over those contesting on the party’s ticket.

A spokesperson from the PNC confirmed on Wednesday that six independent candidates have signed with the party.

All six joined PNC on Tuesday.

They are:

Dr. Anara Naeem: Huraa constituency
Hassan Zareer: Mathiveri constituency
Ahmed Zameer: Central Machangolhi constituency
Ahmed Riyaz: Thimarafushi constituency
Yaseen Abdulla: Naifaru constituency
Azim Abdul Azeez: Vilingili constituency

The PNC had secured a landslide victory in Sunday’s elections; winning 66 out of 93 seats. With the six MP-elects who signed on Tuesday, the ruling party will have 72 seats in the next parliamentary assembly.

This does not take into account the candidates from other parties backed by the government; Maldives National Party (MNP)’s leader Colonel (Retired) Mohamed Nazim, Maldives Development Alliance (MDA)’s leader Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, and Mohamed Abbas – a political from MDA who won the Velidhoo seat.

The MP-elects who signed with PNC on Tuesday includes former party members who lost the PNC primaries held in January. They later ran in the elections as independent candidates, with the government backing their candidacy over that of the ruling party’s own candidates.

This includes Zameer and Ahmed Riyaz. Their rival PNC candidates had later dropped out of the race and backed their candidacy.

Meanwhile, Hassan Zareer, the incumbent Mathiveri MP, had won the 2019 elections on a ticket from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). But he, along with 13 other lawmakers from MDP, defected to PNC after MDP’s Ibrahim Mohamed Solih lost re-election.

In this year’s polls, Zareer ran for re-election as an independent candidate, but with the government’s backing.

The move by the six independent MP-elects to join PNC comes after the MDP-majority Parliament passed an anti-defection bill on April 1.

The bill, which stipulates that parliamentarians will lose their seat for floor crossing, was signed into law by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu last week.

Meanwhile, a separate bill to include anti-defection provisions in the constitution is in the works in the Parliament.

The 20th parliamentary assembly will be sworn in on May 28.

Source(s): sun.mv

News

Abdul Raheem express confidence in retaining majority of Parliament

Published

17 hours ago

24/04/2024

Special Advisor to the President Abdul Raheem Abdulla has expressed confidence that the newly elected Parliament will be retained. The remarks were made during a programme aired on PSM News.

The ruling party, People’s National Congress (PNC) secured the super majority of the Parliament, following the parliamentary elections held on April 21. Abdul Raheem stated that the majority retained is close to 80 members, including 66 PNC candidates elected, who were endorsed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. He affirmed that the new Parliament would strive to amend laws and regulations such that residents attain the maximum benefit, unlike previous Parliaments.

Abdul Raheem claimed to be aware of the reasons behind the incapacity of previous Parliaments of being retained, and revealed that he knew the stories behind the resignation of 12 parliamentarians during the tenure of Former President Yameen Abdul Gayoom. Hence, he claimed to be aware of the necessary initiatives and preparations to maintain the majority of the newly elected Parliament.

Additionally, Abdul Raheem disclosed that certain candidates who were elected had previously held senior parliamentarian positions. Therefore, he ensured that the majority elected by the residents will be retained, unlike previous Parliaments.

Source(s): PsmNews