Recent elections were seen as a key test for the president

Julian Pettifer visited the Maldives as it recovered from the tsunami and revealed how many Maldivians are eager for the president to carry out his promised reforms.

We asked for your comments on the following:

Do you think the president is committed to reform? Should any relief money be tied to this?

Do you think the tsunami will help or hinder reform?

Perhaps you would like to comment on your experience of life there, either as a Maldivian, an ex-pat, or a tourist?

This debate is now closed. Below is a selection of the comments that we recieved.

I pray that the newly elected members of parliament will try to implement more freedom and democracy for the people of the Maldives.

How can I act alone, where the system works for some people and those who oppose are thrown to a dark corner? Ismail, Maldives

In the past I have seen double standards from people who are in the "inner circle" or connected to it.

I am sick of it but how can I act alone, where the system works for some people and those who oppose are thrown to a dark corner.

I hope the international pressure ensures change in the near future.

International leaders who visit the Maldives should make a point of saying they want changes fast from the Maldivian government.
Ismail, Maldives

I do not think the president is really serious about the reforms.

Of course he will bring some changes to the constitution. But it will be what he and his elites want, not what the people of the Maldives want.
Ahmed Ali, Maldives

We need real grassroots democracy and not the MDP becoming the new regime Anonymous, Maldives

The truth is that some of the MDP insults are so outrageous that people get disgusted just like a lot people get disgusted by the tabloids.

We need real grassroots democracy and not the MDP becoming the new regime run by the cousins and beneficiaries of the former regime.
Anonymous, Maldives

The larger question in here is if the people are ready for the reforms.

In my opinion neither the president nor the people of the Maldives are ready for democratic reforms, for they do not understand the concept.

The tsunami has brought a huge amount of media attention to the Maldives and to its political situation. And now everyone, including the president, is under pressure to rush into reforms which may not necessarily be for the best of the people in our country.
Aminath, Maldives

Unless aid is tied to reforms, there is no possibility of any change in "paradise".
Havel Greenwich, Canada

I am not convinced the president is fully committed to reform.

As far as relief money is concerned, I think it should not be tied to reform Ibrahim, Maldives

As far as relief money is concerned, I think it should not be tied to reform as ordinary people will suffer even more.

I also think it is important for both the President the and government to consider reducing unnecessary expenditure as we help ordinary people get back on their feet.
Ibrahim, Maldives

I just returned from the Maldives and I agree with the people that say any aid to the people should not go through their leader Gayoom.

I saw his multi-million dollar palace and his million dollar luxury crafts parked in the waterfront of the capital city, Male, and it is so disgusting to see the poor people of Guraidhoo, an island just miles from the capital, where many are living in tents.

The stories one hears in these beautiful islands are ones of fear. Fear of torture and punishment they face for any dissent.
David Wes, NY, USA

The tsunami should not be an obstacle for proposed reform. In fact it may act as a catalyst.

The president may be committed to reform, but he may well be intimidated by the ill-treatment of his people in the past Ibrahim, Maldives

The president may be committed to reform, but he may well be intimidated by the ill-treatment of his people in the past.

Hence, there is a danger that he and his government may have to answer for some of the things that have occurred.

So I expect a slower process of reform without pressure from the international community.
Ibrahim, Maldives

The tsunami has helped get attention for the reforms but the president needs to commit and not make worthless promises.
Harrison Fuller, Kuwait

This is a very critical time. After 27 years of so-called "democratic presidency" there is still so much to be implemented.

If he is not a dictator, then no-one in the world falls into that category Technogrey, Maldives

It is nothing to do with improvement of the existing policies or regulations.

The president controls everything. No emergency meetings can be held by parliament to remove him.

If he is not a dictator, then no-one in the world falls into that category.
Technogrey, Maldives

When the president talks about $1.3billion dollars to rebuild the country, one might wonder how much he has spent in the past 27 years on our rural islands.

I live in a typical Maldivian island. The school, the power house, is run by the islanders themselves. We have no clean water, no medical facilities, no security, no firefighters, no healthy food, no communications (apart from a phone box).

Thank you Mr President.
Ahmed, Maldives

I was in the capital when the tsunami hit the country. It was a shock that everyone will have for the rest of their lives.

With the tsunami there is the politics.

Some people are taking advantage of these critical moments for their own benefit name here

I wish and hope that the government will take more than adequate steps for reform this time around when the eyes of the international community is on it.

But the sad part is that some people are taking advantage of these critical moments for their own benefit.

I hope the Maldives will prosper with democratic reforms in a very near future, with the will of the people.
Ismail, Maldives

Relief money should only go when the president goes, free elections are held and Christian missionaries are freely allowed to bring relief work.
Peter K. Moore, Brit in America

The comments we publish are not necessarily the views of the BBC but will reflect the balance of views we have received. It is helpful if contributors state if they work for any organisation relevant to an issue discussed. Readers should form their own views on whether messages published represent undeclared interests, or views prompted by a common source.