The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Friday accused the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) and the Elections Commission (EC) of enabling what it described as a monarchy-style rule by President Mohamed Muizzu, alleging that the commissions disregarded the rights of all citizens except Muizzu and his family.
In a statement, the MDP alleged that members of the independent institutions prioritised their own positions over defending the rights of the people.
“The MDP calls on independent institutions that are under political influence to cease facilitating monarchical rule in the Maldives by rendering the rights of everyone except the President and his family non-existent,” the party said.
The MDP condemned what it called politically motivated statements from the HRCM and EC, saying their decision to label comments made by MDP member Mariyam Zubair as targeting a child violated the child’s dignity and described it as an irresponsible move.
“It is an insult to a child to fabricate statements for political purposes. We strongly condemn the attack on the brave Maldivian citizens who stand for their rights,” the MDP said.
The party said its activities had not violated the Children’s Rights Protection Act and assured citizens that no such violations would occur in the future.
The MDP criticised the HRCM for failing to hold President Muizzu accountable for “constitutional breaches”, saying the commission instead acted to protect the interests of Muizzu’s family by issuing statements against those advocating for their rights.
The MDP also accused Muizzu of seeking to suppress political opposition by obstructing peaceful activities, saying the EC was collaborating in efforts to reshape the Maldives into a nation with space for only one political ideology.