Nazim pledges to free judiciary and resolve judges’ grievances

Maldives National Party (MNP) presidential candidate Mohamed Nazim has pledged to prioritize the independence of the judiciary and address the concerns of judges if he is elected as president.

Nazim, who is also the Dhangethi MP, made the pledge while speaking at Kaafu atoll Huraa after inaugurating the party's campaign hub. Addressing the campaign rally, Nazim said that even Supreme Court justices agree that the Maldivian judiciary was currently not functioning effectively.

"I vow to free the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). God willing, we will ensure that JSC becomes an independent institution through the parliament. I want to assure the judges that we will restrict political influences that hinder them from carrying out their duties," Nazim said.

Nazim pledged to enhance the infrastructure of the Maldivian judiciary, strengthen the courts, and raise the remuneration of judges to rectify the legal system.

He further questioned the necessity of having 87 members in the parliament and promised to reduce the number of seats to cut down on state expenditure. Nazim also highlighted that despite receiving a monthly remuneration of over MVR 80,000, many parliament MPs do not have significant work to attend to.

"I sit there [in parliament] as well, but the truth is we really do not have much work to do there. We receive leave three times every year. We receive food and other allowances. Sometimes, I do question myself if we truly deserve what we receive, because it's too extravagant," Nazim said.

"God willing, we will reduce the number of parliament members and harmonize their remuneration through the Pay Commission as well. We will also strive to harmonize the salaries of every government agency under our presidency," Nazim said.