The main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has unveiled its policy framework aimed at establishing a secure community with a strong focus on crime prevention.
The section of the manifesto dedicated to establishing a secure community was introduced at a campaign event in Ukulhas, Alifu Alifu Atoll. The section is organised into subsections that encompass monitoring, prevention, and response strategies to address crime.
The manifesto includes policies to strengthen the security services while adopting strategies to deter minors and youth from engaging in criminal activities. The proposed measures encompass raising awareness through school programmes to deter delinquency and implementing joint action across state agencies to address emerging crimes such as youth violence, financial crimes, internet-based crimes, and scam calls.
The manifesto also calls for the use of child-protection and family-centered approaches to assist those who are vulnerable to crime. In addition, the policy framework includes the establishment of a Crime Prevention Council to strengthen the inter-agency coordination system. Other initiatives involve identifying individuals at risk of gang involvement through the Targeted Intervention and Support Mechanism and instituting programmes such as counseling and vocational training. The manifesto also underscores the necessity of revising the legal and enforcement framework to align with the current situation in the Maldives.
Additionally, the manifesto includes plans for the establishment of city surveillance systems in all major urban areas to reduce crime and the introduction of unmanned surveillance devices like drones to keep an eye on drug trafficking. The policies also include the use of technology in traffic enforcement in densely populated areas.