The Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) has unveiled a plan for a comprehensive five-year programme aimed at strengthening the nation's democratic system.
Announced by ECM President Mohamed Zahid during an interview with PSM News on the occasion of International Democracy Day, the initiative's primary goal is to significantly boost public confidence in the democratic process.
Zahid stressed the importance of educating citizens on how the system operates to ensure their full and meaningful participation.
"People should have the opportunity to participate in the democratic system. Political parties should also think about involving the public party activities at the island level in a sustainable manner,” Zahid explained.
He called upon political parties, noting their substantial state funding for parties with over 10,000 members, to intensify efforts in engaging their members at the island level and integrating them into democratic activities.
Recognising a concerning lack of confidence among the youth, Zahid emphasised that a truly robust democratic environment requires the collaborative efforts of the ECM, political parties, and the general public.
"The parties need to work together for the betterment of the country. We need to put in a lot of effort to make democracy beneficial and accepted by the people. Some of the programmes we have conducted show the lack of confidence of the youth in the system, that voter turnout is continuously declining,” he said.
This concerted five-year programme, according to Zahid, seeks to cultivate a democratic system that is not only beneficial but also deeply accepted by all Maldivians, paving the way for the country's sustained development and progress.