President Muizzu to Launch One-on-One Public Meeting Programme for Citizens

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu will soon launch a new initiative allowing Maldivian citizens to meet with him on a one-on-one basis. The programme aims to broaden the opportunities for people from all walks of life to interact directly with the Head of State, moving beyond formal ceremonies and written petitions. Chief Government Spokesperson Hussain Shareef detailed the plan during the second episode of PSM News’ "Nation Chat" programme. While the President currently engages with the public through official events and the submission of letters, the new scheme is designed to streamline the process and make the presidency more accessible. Shareef confirmed that a first-draft framework has already been compiled and is currently in the final stages of completion. The specific format and scheduling of these meetings will be disclosed once the programme is officially finalized. Currently, citizens seeking a meeting with the President must submit written petitions to the President’s Office or attend public gatherings. The government intends to replace these restrictive barriers with an easier avenue for engagement, particularly for those living on the Maldives' scattered islands who often face geographical hurdles in accessing central government services. During his appearance on the programme, President Muizzu reinforced his commitment to grassroots engagement, stating his intention to visit every island in the archipelago and connect with Maldivians living abroad. He noted that direct contact between the presidency and the public has been limited in the past. To ensure consistency, the President revealed plans to dedicate specific time slots, once or twice a week, exclusively for meeting with the public. This shift represents a strategic move toward a more open and transparent governance model, prioritizing direct communication between the leadership and the citizenry.