Maldives appears to be going into turmoil: Solih

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said last night that Maldives appears to be going into times of turmoil. He stated that the government appears to be taking over all powers, and seems set to become dictatorial.

Solih made these comments at Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s first large rally held following the end of its administration nearly a year ago.

Solih commented on the government's decision to dismiss members of the Elections Commission and Anti Corruption Commission, and said that the administration is interfering with independent institutions, taking on their powers, and transforming into a dictatorial leadership.

"Today, we are seeing Maldives descending into this dangerous situation," he said.

Solih maintains that these actions are being taken with the intention of exerting undue influence on the 2028 presidential election.

He went on to criticize the proposed State budget for next year, claiming that the budget did not include sufficient details.

The former President also said that the government had reduced the budget allocations for councils with no regard to the Decentralization Act, or even the Constitution, with the aim of destroying the entire decentralization system.

Referring to last year's budget, which he pointed out was made with the involvement of this administration, Solih said that it had been used up within 8 months with nothing to show for it.

He said that while the MVR 49.8 million budget had been exhausted, and a contingency budget of MVR 5 billion had been passed, there appears no projects completed in any island, nor a repaid loan, nor any meaningful work done.

Instead, the government is seen to act against its own pledges through reducing Aasandha coverage, cutting off subsidies, raising taxes, failing to pay dues to fishermen, driving businesses to bankruptcy, and disempowering youth, Solih said.

MDP held its rally, with large numbers attending, just five days before the incumbent government marks a year in office. Until now, MDP has only held smaller rallies in its party hub on Chandhanee Magu.