President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said that he will not arrest and punish people for political reasons but would ensure the rule of law.
In his first presidential address delivered on Monday morning, Muizzu aimed some of his statements at political figures.
The President said he pledged to not seek revenge and claimed that he was governing the country following that pledge.
"I will not arrest and punish people for political reasons. There must be calm in the country," he stated.
Muizzu assured that he would fulfill his duty as the head of state to establish justice and fairness and would not exert any influence on the judiciary.
"If I find out that anyone belonging to the government is exerting such influence, I will take immediate action. I can affirm that the judiciary has been functioning without any government influence since November 17 last year," he added.
The opposition has not held a protest against the government since Muizzu assumed office in November 2023 and no politicians have yet been arrested under the current administration.
However, the opposition has been working through the parliament to hold the government accountable.
Meanwhile, the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats decided to boycott Monday's sitting due to the "undemocratic ways of the government."
Former President Abdulla Yameen was jailed during the former administration. When Yameen was in power, all the opposition leaders were jailed or in self-exile.
