Many countries have congratulated and welcomed President-elect Solih. They have also highlighted the importance of democracy and upholding democratic principles.
We have to note that, this will not be enough. Maldives needs more than that. For now, we cannot even imagine the financial situation of the country. No one knows how much the country has as usable reserves.
Even if external debts can be estimated, it is not clear when it should be returned. Maldives has never been in this much debt before and Maldives never had to worry about external debt.
The incoming government will face these problems. The new government of Sri Lanka after President Rajapakse’s administration also faced the same problems.
In this situation, Maldives will need the assistance of friendly nations and international monetary institutions. Words of well wishes and advice will not be enough. There will be people who will try to take advantage of the situation. There will be people who will try to acquire national assets at low prices. There will be predatory businesses who will make use of the situation to their advantage.
So the incoming government can save themselves from such traps only if the government receives assistance from various parties. Maldives needs friends who help selflessly.
Maldives will not benefit by ‘well-wishes’ and talks of democracy !
