A strong parliament must prioritise the interests of the people and hold the government accountable, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has said. He made the remarks while speaking at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Small Branches Workshop, hosted in the Maldives for the first time.
Addressing participants, the Vice President said a parliament can only become truly strong through sustained efforts to uphold democratic principles and ensure accountability. “A strong parliament will prioritise the interests of the people and hold the government accountable,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of the Maldives’ relationship with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and its member states, noting the country’s continued commitment to strengthening democratic institutions.
The Vice President added that legislatures must operate independently and pursue clear goals, warning that failure to do so could lead to a loss of public trust. He said the workshop serves as an important platform to support these objectives and enhance parliamentary capacity.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the Parliament, Abdul Raheem Abdulla, also addressed the event, noting that the CPA has consistently supported the Maldivian Parliament. He expressed confidence that the workshop would further strengthen cooperation. He highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at increasing public participation and improving parliamentary efficiency, including the introduction of the e-petition system and practice parliament programmes.
Moreover, Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim said small states face significant democratic challenges, often with limited resources, and emphasised the importance of collaboration with international partners. He added that discussions during the workshop are expected to contribute to building stronger and more accountable parliaments.
The three-day workshop is being held in Malé and is attended by Speakers, Deputy Speakers and senior officials from CPA member countries.