President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said a record number of candidates contesting the upcoming presidential election works in his favor to win the election in a single round.
Speaking at a campaign event at Dhaalu Kudahuvadhoo on Monday night, President Solih said that even though this year's election features a record-breaking eight contenders – the highest number since the inception of the current Green constitution in the Maldives-, he would have no trouble winning the election.
"Eight candidates are contesting the upcoming presidential election. A record number. This [number] has made things even easier for us, significantly easier. With God's will, we will win the upcoming presidential election in a single round," he said.
In the President's speech, he mainly responded to those who criticized his policies, dispelling doubts regarding the feasibility of his policies. He emphasized the accomplishments of his administration in bringing about national development and enhancing the lives of citizens.
In this regard, the president said the government has almost completed enhancing accessibility for 152 islands, establishing water and sewage systems in 141 islands, resolving electricity issues in 152 islands, and building mosques in 37 islands. While 18,000 students have participated in the government's free degree program, with 7,000 students having already completed their degrees, the administrative charge of student loans has been reduced to one percent, he noted.
The President further noted that the government had to pause the implementation of its policies for two years due to the COVID-10 pandemic. Despite the setback, the government provided income support to those who lost their jobs and provided subsidies to prevent the cost of electricity from hiking, he said. He further noted that loans were issued to resort owners to facilitate employee salary payments. The President said that he has ensured that despite the difficulties, the minimum wage was paid to all employed workers.
Addressing the country's resilience amidst the pandemic's global upheaval, President Solih credited the success to the strong measures taken during the pandemic, including taking loans and promptly opening borders to stabilize the economy.
The President said the government is running in a transparent and accountable manner, disclosing what it receives and spends every week. He said more ministers of this government have appeared in parliament than the previous government, noting that ministers appeared in parliament 56 times in the previous government while ministers appeared in parliament 321 times in this government.
