President reaffirms commitment to democratic consolidation

President Mohamed Nasheed has said he will fulfill the mandate given by the people to consolidate democracy and create foundations of good governance in the Maldives.

Addressing the nation at a special flag-raising ceremony at the Jumhooree Maidhan on Monday morning to start off Independence Day celebrations, President Nasheed said the government would remain resolute in freeing the country from the “bondage of corruption”.

“As the flag of independence flies high, it is a greater national duty to free the country from suspicions in the hearts of the people that bribery and corruption have taken root in the legislature and the judiciary,” he said.

The President said, unlike previous regime changes, the replacement of government in 2008 had not completely ended the power of those connected to the previous regime.

The same officials who had worked in the previous regime continued to remain in the executive, courts, and other institutions, he added.

The President said: “If [after the presidential elections in 2008] any change came to the bond that existed between the previous leadership and the executive and the judicial branches over the long 30 years, such change was only small.”

“The government settled for such slight change for the sake of the country’s social and economic development; for the country itself.”

His government, continued the President, did not want to accept the force of guns, shackles, and pillory as the power that it could wield.

“Government’s power that we believe in is serving the people,” said the President.

Discussing the reasons for the current political impasse, the President said “because of the restraint shown…against the influence from officials of previous government, their hopes for coming back to power only flared up”.

“As their pace to come back to power quickened, the constitutional framework was being unsettled, disrupting the provision of basic services to the people.”

The President, therefore, said to find a long term solution to the political impasse, it was essential to strengthen the constitution as it did not allow an effective presidential system.

“To my mind, if we want to find a [long term] solution to the current problems, we must amend some articles in the constitution.”

The President reiterated he was “ready to give way for any elections required in order to bring those amendments”.

“At no point will I hesitate to face the people and know what they desire.”

Speaking at a press conference last week, he said political parties must decide whether they want presidential or parliamentary system of government.

The President said that if political parties would like to maintain the current presidential system then it must be an effective presidential system.

In his address, which was given after he hoisted the national flag at the Jumhooree Maidhan, the President also discussed government’s plan to increase people’s ownership of land in the country.

The Maldives celebrates its Independence Day on 26 July. This year marks its 45th Independence Day since securing full independence from the British in 1965.