Solih Warns of “Alarming Drift” Toward Dictatorship in the Maldives

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih called on the MDP and Maldivian citizens to resist what he described as the nation’s alarming drift towards dictatorship. 

Speaking at the ‘Fudhijje, Fundijje’ rally held by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) at Artificial Beach last evening, he urged vigilance to safeguard democratic values and prevent an erosion of the country’s principles.

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Solih expressed deep concern over the perceived erosion of democratic principles and the rule of law. He criticised the current administration, accusing it of consolidating power and undermining independent institutions with the apparent goal of monopolising control ahead of the next presidential election.

Reaffirming the ideals of the republican government, Solih called on the MDP to defend democratic values and resist any actions that threaten these foundational principles.

He also directed criticism at the government’s proposed budget for the coming year, describing it as lacking in transparency. According to Solih, it is unprecedented for a budget to be presented without adequate details, raising concerns about fiscal accountability. “They promised transparency, but the opposite is true,” he remarked, calling the government “secretive, dishonest, oppressive, and hypocritical.”

Solih argued that the budget favours influential business interests without addressing national debt or supporting meaningful development projects. Highlighting the depletion of the 2023 budget, he questioned the allocation of MVR 49.8 billion, stating, “Parliament was asked for an additional MVR 5 billion, yet there are no clear records detailing how MVR 30 billion was spent. I ask: What did they do with that 49 billion rufiyaa?”

He further cited controversies involving public reactions to a Maldivian contestant in the Miss Universe pageant and the approval of a bodybuilding competition shortly thereafter. Solih criticised what he saw as the government’s inconsistent stance, which he believes has subjected participants to unwarranted public backlash while forcing the Bodybuilding Association to apologise.

The rally concluded with a call to action, urging MDP members and citizens to stand up for democracy and transparency.