As Maldives gears up for a new presidential term under Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the aspirations of the incoming administration are becoming increasingly clear. Not only does the President-elect aim to govern in close alignment with the will of the people, but he is also setting his sights on a second term in office. Top officials within his transition team and party have echoed this long-term vision.
In a recent interview with SanguTV, President-elect Muizzu laid out his philosophy for governance, which centres around the idea that domestic stability and promotion of national interests should take precedence. “I believe that if one serves the people closely, in accordance to their will, from day one itself, then they will give a second term too,” Muizzu said.
He was candid about the missteps of the outgoing administration, stating that their downfall came from not aligning with the people’s needs and aspirations. Muizzu pledged that his governance would be different: closely aligned with the people’s needs and focused on safeguarding the country’s best interests.
Abdul Raheem Abdulla (Adhurey), the Director-General of Transition and Chairperson of People’s National Congress (PNC), has also been forthright about the team’s ambitions for securing a second term. Speaking at a press briefing, he revealed that among the first tasks for the President-elect’s office is to assess the current health of state bodies and public corporations. This strategic assessment aims to facilitate the development of governance plans that are attuned to the country’s needs.
Abdul Raheem further stated that true development and success for the Maldives could be achieved under a single government that lasts for 10 years. “One government, one mindset, one ideology, if it lasts for 10 years, we can achieve the success that the people really want,” he proclaimed.
The incoming administration has not shied away from criticising the incumbent government. Both Muizzu and Abdul Raheem have commented on the disconnect between the outgoing administration and the people. Abdul Raheem even suggested that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih perhaps did not understand the country’s situation well, responding to Solih’s earlier remark that five years is a long term for a presidency.