Solih’s allegations: Govt. trying to consolidate powers to rob 2028 election

Former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has accused the current administration of trying to consolidate powers with the proposed reforms to independent institutions; efforts he attributed to an attempt to “rob” the 2028 presidential election.

Solih is referencing two ongoing works at the Parliament while speaking at a rally held by opposition MDP last night.

One of them is the no-confidence motions against a number of commissioners, including Mohamed Nasih, the president of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), and vice presidents of both the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Elections Commission (EC) – Abdul Salam and Ali Nashath respectively. The second is the amendments submitted to empower the President to appoint presidents and vice presidents to ACC and EC.

Solih accused the former administration of trying to bring independent institutions separated by the constitution under their fists.

“What is the purpose? [The purpose is to] rig and rob the presidential election slated for 2028. We must never allow this chance,” he stressed.

Solih said there will be nothing the people can do when 2028’s election nears if such reforms are allowed now.

Speaking further, Solih described the current administration as an authoritarian administration. On this note, he underscored that the administration had failed to adhere to the standards stipulated under the constitution with respect to the proposed state budget for next year.

“Letting go of powers will be difficult for on authoritarian ruler. They are scared to do this because they are scared of citizens,” he said.

MDP’s leader Abdulla Shahid who also spoke at the event accused the current administration of coming to power by lying not only to Maldivian citizens and in this trajectory, said the current administration has received the honor of an “untrustworthy partner.”

Shahid, a veteran diplomat, underscored that diplomatic relations are established and upheld on the basis of mutual respect and adherence to diplomatic rules. He stressed that foreign policy cannot be enforced by lies and deceit.

“Diplomatic relations are very unique. It cannot be upheld by saying whatever desired at any situation or doing whatever desired at any situation,” he added.

However, Shahid said the current administration’s acts contradicted these rules. As an example, he referenced the current administration’s actions towards neighboring India.

“There are no foul words that have not been targeted towards our oldest and closest friend, India. The leaders of that nation were portrayed as Maali (monsters) during rallies on this road. After all this, they walked on the red carpet with the same leaders of that nation just last month. The whole world was laughing,” he said.

Ruling PNC and PPM had conducted a campaign under the name ‘India Out’ while they were the opposition – alleging Indian armed soldiers were based in the Maldives under secret agreements executed between the governments of India and Maldives.

Amid tensions with India after the current administration assumed office, derogatory remarks on social media by three Maldivian deputy ministers about India and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi further strained relations between the two neighboring nations.

This saw a campaign launched in India calling to boycott Maldives’ tourism. However, the current administration has undertaken significant efforts to mend ties, including a state visit to India by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Thus, tensions have eased since. 

Tuesday night’s rally marked the biggest held by MDP since the current administration assumed office last November.