7. First Light of Democracy

Since the dawn of the Maldives’ democratic journey, UNDP has assisted in advancing reforms, assisting in the development of a new constitution that was ratified in 2008, and facilitating the country’s first free elections. The support has extended to establishing essential democratic structures, such as the establishment of independent bodies like the Supreme Court, the Elections Commission, and Prosecutor General’s Office.  Capacity-building support has since been provided to several newly established independent bodies including the Civil Service Commission, Judicial Service Commission, the Supreme Court, the Parliament, the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Anti-Corruption Commission in addition to a UN joint programme to support the Human Rights Commission.