“Political parties blocking key legislation on principle”: UN Resident Coordinator

“The Executive and the Parliament have faced off on avoidable issues, and contributed to rising tensions. Political parties have opposed each other and blocked key legislation as a matter of principle, even if there is no substantive disagreement,” Cox stated.

“The judiciary, already in need of strengthening, has faltered. It has been disrupted by political pressure, inflicting lasting damage on its independence and reputation. Equally, the constitution and separation of powers have come under tremendous strain.”

Tensions between the emergent three arms of government, each testing their limits, were preventing the Maldivian people “from savouring the fruits of this hard-won democracy.”