President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has assured the new administration will not discriminate between political beliefs, ethnicity, or any other conditions and all citizens shall have universal access to all available services. President Solih made the remark while addressing the nation following his inauguration. The president also stated he will strive to the best of his abilities to serve the Maldivian people as a whole.
Highlighting it was with pride and high hopes that Maldives first embarked to govern its state affairs in accordance with the new constitution founded on democratic norms, President Solih underlined the new constitution that came into effect guaranteed the Maldivian people a myriad of rights they had long been denied. The new president further noted the new constitution brought with it a state system, constituting of three separate powers.
In his speech, President Solih emphasised, as the responsibility of the highest office, the most preeminent concern for the Maldivian people is that of expediting the process of strengthening the rule of law and protecting the peace and security of the nation. The President also said the past ten years indicate the pressing urgency to reform the judicial system, to enhance the accountability of the Supreme Court to the people.
The president further stressed as stipulated in the constitution, practicing justices ought to be assured an enabling atmosphere where fair hearings are conducted free from external coercion, and underscored that competent justices, equipped with extensive judicial expertise, and who possess valiant integrity, are a necessary prerequisite to thoroughly safeguard the citizens’ right to justice. Continuing in this regard, the president stated that reforming the judicial system will be one of the highest priority areas in his administration.
President Solih further noted the country is in a precarious financial situation, and the treasury has endured a colossal blow owing to reckless mega development projects undertaken purely for political gain.
In his inaugural address, President Solih also highlighted the precise scale and amount of financial loss due to theft, corruption, and negligence are still unclear. He stated despite the bleak financial situation that the country has been plunged into, his resolution to maintain the continuity of services for the people remains firm. He highlighted international support and assistance will be needed to achieve this challenging goal.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih highlighted to transform the path of the nation towards justice and equality, eradicating deeply ingrained systematic corruption that festers within various state bodies is of primary concern and a culture of transparency in executing their functions and obligations needs to be cultivated.
The president also reassured that by Almighty Allah's grace, he will ensure absolute legal protection for whistle-blowers, to strengthen the responsibilities of the Anti-Corruption Commission and to hold the institution accountable. He also reassured he would pave the way to lodge any form of issue or complaint with the government that is forming; particularly that a rigorous system to facilitate this objective will be established at the President's Office, to assess and effectively respond to such concerns.
The president also stated necessary actions will be taken, by all means, in the pursuit to uphold the constitution, rule of law and protect the rights and freedoms of the Maldivian people.