Speaking at the "Laamarukazee Gulhun" conference in Haa Dhaalu atoll Kulhudhuffushi this morning, he criticized the current government for initiating efforts to undermine decentralization.
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) stated that the people will not accept the government's attempts to take away powers granted to them by law.
Speaking at the "Laamarukazee Gulhun" conference in Haa Dhaalu atoll Kulhudhuffushi this morning, he criticized the current government for initiating efforts to undermine decentralization.
Referring to the establishment of the Cities and Local Government Ministry during the current administration, Solih criticized the creation of an "Atolls Ministry," stating that it is an effort to transfer all powers of local councils back to the central government.
He alleged that while the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has always believed that all powers should not remain with the central government, the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives/People's National Congress (PPM/PNC) coalition is attempting to undermine the decentralization system every time they are in power.
“There are some leader in power who disregard the voice of the people,” he said.
"Autocracy is where the current government is headed".
He stressed that democracy goes beyond merely voting in elections, and requires constant consultation, listening to the people, and serving their needs. Solih argued that while it might be easy to centralize all authority in the President's Office, the people of the Maldives will no longer accept such actions.
Solih said that the public would resist if their powers were seized, adding that Maldivians would stand up and take necessary actions to defend their rights.
The "Laamarukazee Gulhun" conference, which will continue until next Tuesday, aims to inform councils about what the MDP sees as the government's efforts to weaken decentralization and to gather feedback for strengthening MDP’s governance.
Solih had heavily criticized the current administration in his speech.
He accused the government of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of coming to power "through lies, deception, and discord."
Solih criticized the ruling administration, stating, "Those now in power had accused the former MDP government of making agreements that undermine Maldives' sovereignty, but now it has been revealed to be false."
"What has not been said about neighboring countries and their leaders? What derogatory comments have not been passed? Because of this, the damage caused to the entire country and our people cannot be accounted for. Just look at the tourism sector."
Solih also highlighted that during President Muizzu's recent state visit to India, agreements made by the MDP government were signed and renewed "without any change," which he said shows that "this government is misleading the people."
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