President says he has brought an end to vicious cycle of political retaliation

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu says that his administration has brought an end to a vicious cycle of political retaliation and arbitrary detention of political leaders that had prevailed throughout the different administrations of the past.

He made the remark during a ceremony held on Sunday morning to mark the Maldives’ 61st Independence Day.

In his address, President Muizzu highlighted on a campaign pledge he made back in 2023 to put an end to political retaliation.

He said that his administration has successfully put an end to all challenges facing opposition political leaders and political activities, as well as acts of oppression.

We have freed the country from the poisonous spirit of political retaliation, he said.

President Muizzu said that there are no longer any barriers to political activity.

“Looking back at the very birth of democracy in the Maldives to up until now, there has never been a time where democracy has been freer or better implemented that during this administration,” he said, explaining how public schools and other state facilities are provided to run political activities.

President Muizzu alleged that past administrations had rushed to jail opposition leaders upon assuming office, whereas his administration hasn’t jailed any political leader.

This administration has put an end to this vicious culture, he said.

President Muizzu said that his administration has not only allowed greater room for political activity, but also for free press.

He said that providing true democratic freedom was one of his administration’s top priorities.