Smile and Let Smile

Navigating the Path to Good Governance

As of May 2025, the Maldives, our cherished island nation, stands at a pivotal moment in its pursuit of good governance. Progress has been made; democratic institutions established, elections held, and digital governance initiatives launched, but the nation remains stuck at a critical juncture. Systemic weaknesses, from corruption to judicial interference, threaten to stall the journey, while political expediency often overshadows the accountability needed for true reform.

For us to move forward, we must confront these challenges head-on, prioritizing transparency, independence, and the voices of our people over short-term political gains.

A Crossroads in Governance

We have come a long way since the 2008 Constitution ushered in a multiparty democracy, ending centuries of autocratic rule and colonial influence. Free elections, separation of powers, and decentralized local councils have given citizens a stake in governance, a stark contrast to the autocratic past. The 2023 presidential election, which brought President Mohamed Muizzu to power, and the 2024 parliamentary elections, securing his People’s National Congress a supermajority, reflect a vibrant electoral process.

International partnerships, like Australia’s $4.8 million aid package and USAID’s democracy-strengthening programs, have bolstered institutional capacity. The “Maldives 2.0” initiative, with its focus on e-governance, promises a digital-first approach to transparency and public service delivery.

Yet, despite these strides, the Maldives is not racing toward good governance. It’s idling at a crossroads. The democratic framework exists, but its execution falters. The suspension of three Supreme Court judges in April 2024, widely seen as a move to fast-track constitutional amendments on anti-defection laws, has cast a shadow over judicial independence. The United Nations and human rights experts have sounded alarms, warning of democratic backsliding. Posts on X echo public frustration, pointing to protester arrests and media restrictions as signs of shrinking civic space.

Corruption, a persistent thorn, continues to erode trust, with allegations of misused public funds in infrastructure projects and limited accountability mechanisms. The Maldives ranks mid-tier in global governance indicators, outperforming some regional peers but lagging behind leaders like Singapore in rule of law and corruption control. We’re halfway up the hill, but the path ahead is steep, and the risk of sliding back is real.

This critical juncture stems from a tension between aspiration and reality. The Maldives has the tools for good governance: a constitution, elected bodies, and international support; but their effectiveness hinges on political will. President Muizzu’s supermajority could drive bold reforms, yet it also raises fears of unchecked power, especially given historical precedents like the authoritarian tendencies under Abdulla Yameen (2013–2018).

The nation’s heavy reliance on tourism, contributing 28% to GDP, and existential threats from climate change add economic and environmental pressures that complicate governance priorities. At this crossroads, the Maldives must choose: double down on democratic principles or risk veering toward instability.

The Need for Accountability Over Expediency

To move forward, we must address systemic weaknesses and prioritize accountability over political expediency. Corruption remains a core obstacle, undermining public trust and diverting resources from critical needs like climate resilience and equitable development.

Civil society, often intimidated when exposing graft, needs protection to hold leaders accountable.

Judicial independence, another cornerstone, is under strain. The 2025 judge suspensions follow a pattern of executive overreach, seen in past incidents like Mohamed Nasheed’s 2012 judicial arrest and Yameen’s imprisonment of rivals. Restoring trust requires transparent judicial appointments and safeguards against political interference.

Accountability also means amplifying civic voices. Press freedom, ranked a dismal 106 out of 180 globally in 2024, is stifled by restrictions, particularly on religious expression. Strengthening media and civil society would foster public oversight, ensuring governance serves the people, not just the powerful.

Local councils, empowered since 2008, are a success story, but their capacity must grow through training and resources, as supported by the Maldives Institute of Local Governance. Digital tools, like those in “Maldives 2.0,” could revolutionize transparency, if implemented with genuine intent rather than as a political showcase.

Good governance isn’t just about holding elections; it’s about ensuring those elections lead to systems that are fair, transparent, and resilient.

Charting the Path Forward: A Call for Accountability

We stand at a defining moment. To move beyond this crossroads, we need bold, collective action. The government must empower the Anti-Corruption Commission, protect judicial independence, and lift restrictions on media and civil society. Citizens must demand accountability, using platforms like local councils and digital tools to engage in governance. International partners, already invested, should push for measurable reforms, tying aid to progress in transparency and human rights.

As Maldivians, we know the stakes. Our nation’s beauty and vulnerability: to corruption, to climate change, to political strife. We must demand a governance system that reflects our resilience and aspirations, leads to a road that is worth traveling.