Safeguarding Basic Rights Central to Current Changes in Maldives – President Nasheed

Addressing the nation on the occasion of the Maldives National Day, President Mohamed Nasheed has said upholding basic rights of the people and safeguarding these rights for future generations were central to the current political and socio-economic changes in the Maldives.

He said the most important part of preservation of the new found freedoms and rights in the Maldives was redefining the national identity based on Islam, human rights, culture, and socio-economic progress of this country.

Speaking at the flag hoisting ceremony held, on the occasion of this year's National Day, at Jumhooree Maidhan this morning, the President said the prime goal of the government was rebuilding the national identity based on these fundamentals.

In his address to the nation, President Mohamed Nasheed paid tribute to Mohamed Thakurufaanu, hero of the National Day who restored the country's independence after Portuguese rule.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to consolidation of democracy in the Maldives, the President said the people of this country have begun to reap the fruits of democracy.

Continuing in this regard, he said as the people began to receive the dividends of embracing democracy, the Maldives preparing to cross a threshold in its efforts to consolidate democracy with the local council elections that will be held tomorrow.

The first ever election of atoll councils and island council as well as the Male' City council will be held tomorrow, 5 February, in the country.

The President called on all citizens to ensure a peaceful election.

He underscored that democracy could not be consolidated without decentralisation. He said this administration did not intend to centralize all the powers in the capital, and the country would not progress without relinquishing powers concentrated in Male' for centuries.

Furthermore, the President reiterated the importance of ensuring people’s freedoms to attain and sustain national development.

Safeguarding the people’s freedom of expression, assembly and peaceful political activism was a prerequisite of sustainable national development, added the President.

He said the revolt against governments in many countries was the result of suppressing people’s freedoms and liberties.

Today marks the 451st anniversary of the Maldives gaining independence from Portuguese rule.