As President-elect Dr Mohamed Muizzu prepares to take office on 17 November, the transitional phase is marked by promises of transparency, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility.
Leading the narrative of change, Muizzu has announced a cap on political posts during his administration, whilst simultaneously deploying a sizeable committee to oversee the transition.
Spokesperson Mohamed Firzul Abdulla Khaleel informed that there are about 400 members involved in the transition. Serving in 15 committees, each with between 25 and 30 members, these individuals are experts in their respective fields.
“These committees include people who have education and experience in the field they belong to and are already working in them,” Firzul said. He assured that women would be actively involved in these committees.
The names of these committee members are yet to be announced. According to Firzul, this is due to ongoing adjustments, as well as the involvement of current government employees in these teams. Despite the opacity around the committee members, Firzul reiterated that the transition work will be transparent.
The spokesperson also touched upon the budget allocated for the transition, noting that the expenditures would not exceed the legally stipulated maximum of MVR 1 million. This budget falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance for the year in which a presidential election is held, as per the Transition of Government Act.
Khaleel also announced that President-elect Muizzu’s administration will be capped at 700 political posts. This is a significant reduction compared to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, which had 1,063 political posts, and even former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom’s, which comprised 808 positions.
This decision appears to be in line with a more streamlined governance approach, given that political appointees often draw high salaries but may not have commensurate responsibilities, thereby burdening state expenditure.