Maldives marks 58 years of the Second Republic with call to strengthen institutions over personalities

The Maldives marked the 58th anniversary of the Second Republic on 11 November, with a commentary piece by Muhammad Aasif (Mondhu) urging reflection on the meaning of republican governance rather than only on ceremony and national celebration. The article recalled that the Maldives was a kingdom for many centuries. A republican government was first experienced in 1953 under President Mohamed Amin Didi, but that system lasted only a few months before reverting to a kingdom in 1954. Even after the Maldives gained independence from British protection in 1965, the country remained under a kingdom until a public vote paved the way for the monarchy to be abolished on 11 November 1968 and the Second Republic to be inaugurated, with Ibrahim Nasir becoming its first President. The writer argued that a republic is not merely a country where a president rules in place of a king, but a system in which political powers are exercised through constitutional institutions, state posts are assigned within established principles, and the highest sovereignty of the state is held by the people. The most main foundation of the republican system, the article said, is running the state through constitutional arrangements instead of ruling by an inherited right. Citing the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives that came into force on 7 August 2008, the article noted that the Maldives is defined as a free, democratic republic based on Islamic principles, with full sovereign power. One of its most fundamental articles states that all the powers of the state emanate from the people and remain with the people. The piece underlined that a republic is built on the sovereignty of the people, the operation of constitutional power, the rule of law, accountability, representation of the people, equality before the law, and protection of fundamental rights. It also stressed the separation of powers into executive, legislative and judicial branches, with the executive headed by the President, the legislative power represented by the People's Majlis, and the judicial power comprising the courts. According to the article, the strength of a republic is weighed not by the power of the president or the influence of the government but by the strength of the country's institutions. Presidents, governments and political parties change, the writer said, but the institutions of the state must continue to function. A republic must stand above every individual, political party and government. The article also argued that being a republic does not in itself guarantee good governance, and that the mere existence of a constitution, a president, a People's Majlis and a judiciary does not ensure that all the foundations of a republic are fully upheld. It said strengthening institutions, increasing accountability and continuously developing governance is a responsibility every generation must fulfil. Addressing the younger generation, the writer said Republic Day should not be merely a date on the national calendar but an opportunity to learn why the Maldives became a republic and why its fundamental principles must be preserved. Young people should understand the importance of elections, the reason the People's Majlis exists, the importance of the independence of the judiciary, and the accountability of those in state posts. The article further stated that the media bears an important responsibility in increasing public awareness of the republic, beyond reporting on political affairs, elections and government decisions, by clarifying how national institutions function and the effects of public policies. Schools, universities, civil associations and state institutions must also make constitutional and civic education an important part, it said. The commentary concluded that the value of a republic is not weighed merely by the number of years the system has endured, but by the standard of governance, the strength of institutions, the security provided to the people and the opportunities provided to future generations. The writer extended greetings on the occasion of the Maldives' 58th Republic Day.