Hon. Ahmed Nazim, Deputy Speaker of the People’s Majlis, addressed the Plenary Session of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International Conference, being held in Pakistan from February 3-7, 2026.

Addressing the topic of the session, “Peace and Democratic Trust: Parliaments as Engines of Reconcilation,” Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim stated that peace is not merely the absence of war but is sustained through transparent, inclusive, and accountable governance that earns citizens’ confidence. Warning that declining trust can lead to polarization, unrest, and authoritarianism, particularly in South Asia, he emphasized the central role of parliaments as forums for dialogue, reconciliation, and consensus-building.

Reflecting on the Maldives’ experience, Hon. Ahmed Nazim noted the country’s peaceful transition to a multi-party democracy in 2008, which established the People’s Majlis as the cornerstone of governance and oversight. He highlighted laws such as the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act, the Anti-Torture Act, and the Gender Equality Act by People’s Majlis, have reinforced the rule of law and civic space. This shows how parliaments can turn democratic values into enforceable rights, building citizens’ confidence in institutions.

He further underscored the importance of decentralization and local governance in enhancing public participation and social cohesion and stressed that peace agreements must be embedded in legal and constitutional frameworks to ensure lasting stability.

Concluding his remarks, Hon. Ahmed Nazim stated that peace cannot be imposed by force and that democratic trust is built through consistent action. He affirmed that strong, inclusive, and accountable parliaments form the foundation of reconciliation and sustainable democracy.

During the official visit, the People’s Majlis also officially assumed the Chairmanship of the CPA Asia Region (68th to 71st Commonwealth Parliamentary Conferences) at the Regional Executive Committee meeting held today.