Statement by State Minister Ahmed Khaleel at the Democracy Delivers Initiative Event
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
We gather here, representing diverse nations, united in our pursuit of discussing the merits of democratic governance. Recent progress in our countries underscores the importance of democratic principles in promoting peace, human rights, and global stability.
Our appreciation goes to Secretary Blinken and Administrator Power for the United States’ Government’s unwavering support to the Maldives through the Democracy Delivers Initiative. The Maldives welcomes the “Democracy Delivers Initiative Concept: Sister Islands”, which aims to enhance economic integration between resorts and local island communities, complementing our decentralization efforts. We believe this support will bolster democratic ideals by extending the reach of democratic and economic gains throughout the country. It is an honour for the Maldives to be recognised for our efforts and the positive strides that we have achieved throughout our democratic journey.
Elections are the essence of democracy. The Maldives held the first round of its fourth, multi-party Presidential elections on 9 September 2023. The election was contested by 8 candidates – the highest number of candidates to date and preceded by a rigorous but peaceful campaign period. The election took place peacefully in a free and fair manner, as attested by several national and international observers, with a voter turnout of 79 percent. Currently, we are gearing up for our second round later this month.
Excellencies,
There will always be challenges. Yet we remain determined to build on our democratic gains. Judicial reform is among our top priorities, as we work to uphold integrity and public trust in our judicial system. This process increasingly relies on the support and collaboration from our international partners especially to deliver capacity-building programmes. We believe such support enables us to strengthen our judicial system and foster best practices going forward. With the enactment of the Transitional Justice Act in 2020, we have also established the Office of the Ombudsman for Transitional Justice, which is an important milestone towards achieving impartiality and accountability in the judicial system, and ensuring justice is served.
Another important aspect of a strong democracy is an independent civil society. In the Maldives we remain committed to protecting and promoting a safe and enabling environment for civil society. We are working on expanding the space in which civil society operates through better laws and policies and improving protection mechanisms. We also recognise the importance of ensuring that civic and democratic spaces are protected online.
I also wish to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to democratic principles through legislative reform and policy. Our dedication extends to various priority areas including the promotion of gender equality in both the social and political spheres. Women already wield considerable influence in the nation's development, constituting 78 percent of the education sector. Recent adjustments to the Decentralization Act require that one-third of each council comprises female councillors, empowering women to influence choices affecting communities and livelihoods. Our commitment is resolute in breaking barriers, propelling us toward an equitable nation where men and women share equal rights and participation, devoid of bias or prejudice.
Excellencies,
Promotion of democratic values and good governance is a key pillar of our foreign policy. Guided by these vaues, we have made significant strides in the multilateral arena. Despite our small size, the Maldives has been a strong advocate for issues of global significance, positioning itself as a strong member of the international community. Our commitment remains steadfast in collaborating with democracies worldwide, intensifying efforts to promote human rights, combat corruption, and confront the array of challenges before us. We assure you- our commitment is stronger than ever before.
Excellencies,
Despite the progress made over the years, democracy is still very much in its infancy in the Maldives. We seek the support of robust democracies such as the United States to lend their hand in the consolidation process to allow democracy to flourish for all.
In a world striving for stability and justice, democracy is our guiding light. Democracy empowers nations to uphold human rights, forge accountable institutions, and tackle challenges collectively. Let us reaffirm our commitment to democracy, for it is the cornerstone upon which we build a brighter, equitable, and secure future for all.
I thank you all.
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