Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu faced significant institutional constraints in implementing his electoral promises from his inauguration until the swearing-in of the newly elected 20th Parliament members.

Speaking at a forum held Thursday night at the Islamic University of Maldives, where four cabinet ministers discussed the Presidential Address to Parliament, Minister Shiyam characterised it as the most comprehensive Presidential Address in both his parliamentary experience and official records.

Minister Shiyam emphasised that while the Maldivian governance system is structured for parliamentary support of the executive, this cooperation was notably absent due to the opposition's majority until the new Parliament's formation.

"Despite being elected on September 30, the President endeavoured from day one to implement his vision with parliamentary cooperation; however, that political space remained inaccessible," Shiyam said.

The Minister highlighted that unlike the brief transition period in 2023 after assuming office, the political climate for implementing presidential initiatives has improved markedly in 2024. He attributed this shift to the public mandate giving both a five-year presidential term and parliamentary majority to President Dr Muizzu's Administration.

According to Minister Shiyam, 2024 was predominantly focused on establishing the fundamental frameworks and mechanisms to fulfil electoral commitments. He expressed confidence that 2025 would herald significant national development, building on these foundations.

The Minister concluded that the successful launch of promised initiatives this year would transform the President's term into an era of unprecedented development.