Ruling People's National Congress (PNC) has said today that the Maldives is set to enter a new era of democracy under the reform measures introduced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
In a statement marking International Democracy Day, PNC reflected on the 16 years since the country adopted a multi-party system, adding that necessary reforms had not been implemented until now.
PNC highlighted President Muizzu's efforts to initiate these reforms, which include capping the number of members in parliament and introducing conjoint elections.
"The party has no doubt that a new chapter of democracy will begin," the statement read.
The statement also highlighted the "Maldives First" policy, aimed at ensuring that national decisions align with the people's will, and stressed that President Muizzu has secured the independence of the judiciary and other institutions.
The statement said that political influence over the courts has been eliminated, and that local councils are now empowered to generate revenue and be more self reliant.
PNC further claimed that the era of using state institutions to imprison political rivals has ended, allowing all political parties and leaders to compete freely within the democratic system.
According to the statement, these reforms are set to further strengthen Maldivian democracy and improve governance in the long term. The party expressed gratitude to President Muizzu for introducing changes in line with Islamic principles.