531,517 people
Source: Tyranny Tracker
HRF classifies the Maldives as ruled by a hybrid authoritarian regime.
In 2008, the Maldives adopted a new constitution and held its first multiparty election, resulting in the country’s first transition of power after 30 years since Maumoon Abdul Gayoom took office in 1978. In 2013, Gayoom’s half-brother, Abdulla Yameen, assumed the presidency and rapidly centralized power. His regime was characterized by severe crackdowns on dissent and extensive control over key institutions. Since 2018, subsequent governments have rolled back many of the electoral restrictions under Yameen, but have continued to fall short in upholding civil liberties and judicial independence. In September 2023, Mohamed Muizzu was elected president with just over half of the popular vote, defeating Ibrahim Mohamed Solih of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). In April 2024, Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC) won a landslide victory in the legislative election, securing a supermajority in the People’s Majlis.
National elections in the Maldives are largely free and fair. Political parties and candidates have been able to freely compete for representation in the national parliament, and the Elections Commission conducted credible and transparent elections. However, the campaign environment has been marked by the use of public funds and political appointments to mobilize support for the regime, along with widespread vote-buying.
Independent media, political leaders, civil society leaders, and members of the general public are seriously and unfairly hindered in their ability to openly criticize or challenge the regime. The regime has relied on threats and restrictive legislation to obstruct independent journalists, temporarily blocked critical websites, banned controversial books, and extended surveillance. There have been reported instances of police violence against peaceful protestors.
Institutions are somewhat independent but frequently constrained by the regime. The incumbent has maintained extensive control over judicial appointments and arbitrarily removed dissenting judges. Constitutional changes have increased the power of the executive overreach within parliament while broadening the policy-making agenda of the head of state. Finally, the independence of anti-corruption and elections oversight bodies has been undermined by new reforms.
Hit enter to search or ESC to close
