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Abstract
This article explores the challenges to political order in the Maldives during the 1990s. It discusses centralized governance, opposition movements, and socio-economic pressures from rapid tourism expansion. The study highlights institutional weaknesses, democratic deficits, and the risks of authoritarian resilience in a fragile island polity.
Full Text
The body starts with a review of the Maldives’ constitutional framework and its limitations. Section One analyzes political centralization under President Gayoom. Section Two examines opposition politics and the role of civil society. Section Three considers economic changes, particularly the tourism boom, and their political consequences. Section Four evaluates governance challenges: corruption, limited checks and balances, and environmental vulnerabilities. The conclusion forecasts potential democratization pressures that would become more visible in the following decade.