Speaker of the Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla has stressed that good governance must be measured by what people experience in their daily lives, calling for greater transparency, accountability and meaningful public participation.
He made the statement while speaking at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)‘s 153rd Assembly ongoing in Arusha, Tanzania, from 5 to 9 October.
In his address, the Speaker said good governance is people-centred and that it is not just about institutions and laws but whether they feel their voice are heard and whether they have equal opportunities. It is also about whether institutions are accountable, and whether people can trust the systems that serve them.
The Speaker said the Parliament’s role goes beyond lawmaking, and that they must listen to the people, oversee the implementation of policies and ensure public resources are used responsibly. He also noted the need to create opportunities for communities to participate in decisions that affect their lives.
Speaking on inclusivity, the Speaker said it begins with ensuring that every community has a voice and equal access to opportunities and public services. While the Maldives is geographically dispersed across many islands, inclusivity and equal access to public services are particularly important, he added. He noted that technology offers new ways to bring governance closer to the people, with digital platforms such as eFaas making government services more accessible and helping overcome the challenges of distance and geography.
The Speaker stressed that digital governance must be secure, transparent and inclusive, adding that the Maldives is working to strengthen digital literacy, address misinformation, and ensure that technology serves the public interest and remains subject to democratic oversight.
Noting that the Constitution and Decentralisation Act provide a framework for bringing governance closer to communities, the Speaker said inclusive governance means ensuring that every citizen feels heard, valued and able to contribute to the future of the nation.
The Speaker stressed that trust is essential for good governance and that it is built through transparency, accountability, integrity and tangible results. He said the Right to Information Act gives the public access to information held by State institutions, in addition to petitions and digital platforms, while strong institutions, including the Anti-Corruption Commission, further support integrity and accountability.
Speaker Abdul Raheem said good governance is linked to peace and referenced conflicts in the Middle East, including Palestine, and parts of Africa. He said parliamentarians have a responsibility to promote dialogue, uphold international law, protect human dignity, and support peaceful solutions.
Highlighting that good governance must be effective and evidence based, the Speaker said parliaments should assess whether policies deliver results and whether resources reach those who need them. He said good governance should be measured by outcomes rather than promises.
He called on IPU members to make parliaments more open, inclusive, responsive and effective, while giving communities meaningful opportunities to participate. He said the Maldives remains committed to working with other parliaments to promote good governance, strengthen democracy and empower communities.