The Maldives has fallen three places in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) compiled by Transparency International, signaling the increasing failure of the current government to address corruption within the public sector.
The Maldives scored just 38 points in 2024, one point lower than its score of 39 in 2023. This marks a steady decline over the years—scoring 43 points in 2020, 40 points in 2021 and 2022. The country now ranks 96th out of 180 countries, tied with India. With only 40 points, the Maldives finds itself among the majority of nations—two-thirds of them—that scored less than 50 points on the CPI.
This drop in rankings is not just a statistic; it’s a glaring indicator of the deepening corruption in the country’s government. Under President Muizzu’s leadership, the Maldivian public is grappling with a lack of accountability, ineffective governance, and an inability to tackle corruption at the highest levels. The promise of a cleaner government and transparent leadership seems further out of reach as the country’s corruption score continues to slip.
The Maldives has gone from being ranked 75th in 2020 to 93rd in 2023, and now further down to 96th in 2024. This steady decline is a clear signal that reforms are not being implemented as promised. As President Muizzu continues his tenure, it is becoming increasingly evident that his government’s actions—or lack thereof—are contributing to the country’s growing reputation for corruption.
Transparency International’s report underscores that corruption is a global issue, but also highlights that progress is being made in many countries. Unfortunately, the Maldives seems to be heading in the wrong direction, failing to match the positive changes seen elsewhere.
As the country continues to slide in global rankings, it is time for the people of the Maldives to demand answers from their leaders. The government’s failure to tackle corruption at all levels is not just an international embarrassment—it is a direct threat to the nation’s future.
